Wlodawer Awarded Heyrovsky Medal
Last month, Dr. Alexander Wlodawer, chief of the Macromolecular Crystallography Laboratory in NCI's Center for Cancer Research, received the Jaroslav Heyrovsky Honorary Medal for Merit in Chemical Sciences. The medal, established in 1965, is awarded by the President of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic and recognizes outstanding scientific results in the field of chemistry. Dr. Wlodawer was recognized for his important contribution to the studies of protein structure and also for his advisory role in the revitalization of the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry in Prague.

Francis Collins Leaves NHGRI
Dr. Francis Collins recently announced that he will step down as director of the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) after 15 years leading NIH efforts to map the human genome. Dr. Collins will pursue new professional opportunities and write a book about the use of genetic research to personalize medical prevention and treatment.

NIH Director Dr. Elias Zerhouni referred to Dr. Collins as a "trailblazer in the scientific community." Dr. John Niederhuber, director of NCI, also praised Collins' leadership noting NHGRI's partnership with NCI during the pilot phase of their joint venture, The Cancer Genome Atlas. This landmark project to understand the molecular basis of cancer through genome characterization "is an example of the kind of groundbreaking research two institutes can create, when their focus is on nothing less than the best science for the benefit of patients," Dr. Niederhuber commented. "What Dr. Collins has contributed to these pioneering efforts will one day transform cancer medicine."

Free Telephone Workshop for Cancer Survivors
CancerCare, in collaboration with NCI, the Lance Armstrong Foundation, Intercultural Cancer Council, Living Beyond Breast Cancer, and National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship, will present a teleconference titled "Survivors Too: Family, Friends and Loved Ones" on June 24 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. ET.

This is the third of a three-part telephone education workshop series called "The Sixth Annual Cancer Survivorship Series: Living With, Through, and Beyond Cancer."

Part I, "The Importance of Communicating with Your Doctor about Follow-Up Care," took place on April 22, and Part II, "Rediscovering Intimacy in Your Relationships Following Treatment," took place on May 13. Both workshops are archived on the CancerCare Web site.

No phone charges apply. However, pre-registration is required. To access the archive or to register, go to http://www.CancerCare.org/TEW.