Lasker Foundation

THE LASKER FOUNDATION was started by Mary and Albert Lasker in 1942 to promote scientific understanding of biomechanical processes and of the means for treating diseases. To meet this goal, the Lasker Foundation focused on securing increased federal funding for biomédical research within the United States. The foundation chose to provide seed money for research as well as advocate for increased federal funding.

The Lasker Foundation Award Program began in 1945 to recognize new discoveries by scientists, physicians, and people in public service leading to advances in fundamental knowledge, treatment, and prevention of human illness and disease. The foundation has presented over 300 awards, and 75 of these recipients have also been awarded the Nobel Prize. The original awards were for basic medical research, clinical medical ...