Marc Jenkins, Ph.D., director of the Center for Immunology and Regents' and Distinguished McKnight Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Minnesota Medical School has been elected to the National Academy of Sciences (NAS).
CFI is honored to announce that our Director Marc Jenkins, Ph.D. has been elected to the National Academy of Sciences. Dr. Jenkins's achievement is especially notable in that it has been over 50 years since a UMN Medical School faculty member has been added to this impressive organization of the country’s leading researchers. The National Academy of Sciences elects new members in recognition of their distinguished and continuing achievements in original research. Membership is a widely accepted mark of excellence in science and is considered one of the highest honors that a scientist can receive. Current NAS membership totals approximately 2,400 members and 500 foreign associates, of which approximately 190 have received Nobel prizes. Established in 1863 by Abraham Lincoln, the NAS is charged with providing independent, objective advice to the nation on matters related to science and technology. Scientists are elected by their peers to membership in recognition of their distinguished and ongoing achievements in original research. Membership is widely considered one of the highest honors that a scientist can receive.
Dr. Jenkins has led a distinguished career whose scientific endeavors have answered critical questions in the field of immunology. Known as one of the world’s most distinguished immunologists, Dr. Jenkins investigates how CD4+ T and B cells respond to antigens. His groundbreaking research has advanced the field of immunology, leading to the development of more effective vaccines and better treatments for autoimmune diseases and improved success in transplantation and cancer immunotherapy. He has recently been recognized for his role in the Medical School’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic through the development of antibody testing now in clinical use. His work appears frequently in the top journals, including Cell, Nature, Science, Immunity, and Nature Immunology. He is the recipient of many national research awards including the PEW Scholars Award, NIH MERIT Award and the American Association of Immunologist’s Meritorious Career Award. From the University of Minnesota, he received a Distinguished McKnight University Professor award (2002), the Academic Health Center Academy for Excellence in Health Research Award (2004), the Medical School’s Senior Investigator Award (2011) and a Medical School Dean’s Distinguished Lectureship (2015). Jenkins received the 2020-21 American Association of Immunologists' Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of a remarkable career of scientific achievement and contributions to AAI and the field of immunology.
Marc is an exemplary scientist, educator, mentor, and advisor. If you are interested in learning more about Dr. Jenkins's reaserach lab or to see the most recent list of publications, click on the links. To read more about Marc's accomplishments please click here.
On Friday, April 29, 2022, members elected from 2019 to 2021 were inducted into the National Academy of Sciences. Follow #NAS159 for coverage of the NAS members’ distinguished and continuing achievements in original research. You can also watch the presentations here: http://ow.ly/Qia550ITL2F.
CFI was also honored to partner with the Department of Microbiology & Immunology and the UMN Medical School to celebrate Marc's achievements on April 21, 2022. In addition to his election into the National Academy of Sciences, Marc was also awarded the American Association of Immunologists Lifetime Achievement Award. The AAI Lifetime Achievement Award is the highest honor bestowed by the AAI Council upon an AAI member. This award recognizes a deserving member for a career of scientific achievement and for contributions to AAI and fellow immunologists. A reception was held to honor Marc and his accomplishments, Drs. Jakub Tolar, Ashley Haase, and Kristin Hogquist all spoke on Marc's behalf and then the audience was entertained by music and vocals from 2 of Marc's peers, Drs. Gary Dunny and Daniel Mueller. 