Joan Steitz receives the 2021 Wolf Prize in Medicine

Joan Steitz
February 17, 2021

Congratulations to Dr. Joan Steitz for receiving the 2021 Wolf Prize in Medicine. The international Wolf Prize has been awarded since 1978 to outstanding artists and scientists for achievements of interest to mankind and for fostering friendly relations among people. Steitz received this honor for her fundamental work in RNA biology. Her work being recognized includes the discovery of small nuclear ribonucleoproteins and their roles in mRNA splicing and ribosomal RNA synthesis, and elucidating various biochemical mechanisms of RNA processes. The Wolf Foundation recognizes her work for “[laying] the foundations to much of the subsequent research on RNA splicing.” They also commended her excellent advocacy work for promoting women in STEM. Both Dr. Steitz’s research and advocacy work has had a great impact on our department, and we could not be prouder of her for receiving the Wolf Prize. For more information see the YDN article here: https://yaledailynews.com/blog/2021/03/04/yale-professor-joan-steitz-wins-wolf-prize-in-medicine/

By Jake Thrasher