University of California President Janet Napolitano made the following statement today (Oct. 7) after it was announced that Randy W. Schekman, professor of molecular and cell biology at UC Berkeley, has been awarded the 2013 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine:
"We celebrate UC Berkeley's Randy Schekman, who has been awarded the 2013 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. His groundbreaking work directly improves our understanding of neurological diseases, diabetes and immunological disorders. This Nobel Prize, the 61st awarded to a UC faculty member or researcher, underscores the paramount importance of research conducted at the University of California. Professor Schekman's dedication to science, research and teaching are a hallmark of our public university. On behalf of the entire UC community, I join UC Berkeley Chancellor Nicholas Dirks in extending heartfelt congratulations to Professor Schekman and his colleagues."
Professor Schekman shares the Nobel Prize with James Rothman of Yale University and Thomas Südhof of Stanford University for his role in revealing the machinery that regulates the transport and secretion of proteins in human cells.
"I've had the enormous benefit of investment by the people of the state California and the federal government in my science," said Schekman. "I'm grateful particularly to California for what it did, starting with Pat Brown, for the tremendous growth in the system of the University of California."