Yale Bulletin and Calendar

March 16, 2001

Volume 29, Number 22

Joan Steitz cited as outstanding woman scientist

Joan Steitz, Sterling Professor of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, is one of five recipients of the "For Women in Science Program" award from L'Oréal Beauty Company and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Steitz is being recognized for her research, which could help improve diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune diseases such as lupus. She discovered snRNPs (pronounced snurps), small particles in cells that are necessary for converting raw genetic information into active proteins. These particles produce messenger molecules that can be read directly into proteins. They are therefore critical for carrying out all of the body's most basic biological processes, such as developing the immune system or the brain.

"I am honored to receive this award on behalf of all women scientists," says Steitz. "It is not easy for women in the field of science, as we continue to be very underrepresented. If you are passionate about a career in science, then the hurdles can be overcome and women can participate in the joy and exhilaration of scientific discovery."

L'Oréal and UNESCO created the "For Women in Science Program" in 1998 to encourage women to pursue careers in life sciences by recognizing their progress in this field. According to studies done by MIT, far fewer women than men take up scientific careers, and when they do, they rarely reach senior positions. Only 30% of the research jobs in the United States are held by women, and only 5% to 10% of women worldwide hold leadership positions in the sciences.

The four other women being honored at the awards ceremony held in Paris are Suzanne Cory of Australia, Adeyinka Gladys Falusi of Nigeria, Mayana Katz of Brazil and Anne McClaren of Great Britain.

T H I SW E E K ' SS T O R I E S

Economist will develop better way to measure economic activity in U.S.

Yale SOM to establish database for study of world's financial history

F&ES to create industrial ecology program in Asia

Greene and Brisman awarded DeVane Medals

Professor Lane explains the economics of happiness

Scientist Thomas Steitz honored with Sterling Professorship

Goldman-Rakic is Eugene Higgins Professor of Neurobiology

Joan Steitz cited as outstanding woman scientist

Student actors 'take flight' in comic version of 'The Birds'

Exhibition examines photographers' contrasting images of Saarinen designs

'Faces of Hope' offers portraits of people living with HIV

Model urges students to take pride in their bodies

'Cities and Buildings' pays tribute to urban works . . .

Forum to explore fate of U.S. 'melting pot'

Discovery boosts understanding of hereditary blindness

Grants will support Yale researcher's study on how to quell the 'voices' . . .

Women under 60 more likely to die after heart attack, says study

Renowned nuclear physicist to discuss 'Science, Technology and Politics'

'A Taste of Inequality' explores issues still on feminist frontline

Love songs will be dramatized in workshops

New fund will support activities for teachers of religious studies

New ways of funding environmental enterprises to be examined

Film series focus on the banned and Brazilian

Innovation is focus of this year's Spring Teaching Forum

Annual Pride Week celebration will feature talks, comedy night and film

Campus Notes