Hello. I am Günter Blobel, head of the Laboratory of Cell Biology at The Rockefeller University in New York city. The publishing firm John Wiley & Sons has asked me to serve as chairman of the selection jury for the first Wiley Prize in Biomedical Sciences.

Sponsored by the newly established Wiley Foundation, the prize is intended to recognize scientific work that has opened new fields of research, or advanced novel concepts or applications in a specific biomedical discipline. It may be awarded to an individual or a group—no more than three—in recognition of either a single contribution or a body of work that has made a significant impact in a particular field, and demonstrated the nominee's leadership within that field. The Wiley Prize itself will consist of a $25,000 grant and an invitation to deliver a lecture here at The Rockefeller University in New York.

For more information on how to prepare submissions, please see the detailed outline and contact information on the website, wileyfoundation.org.

The recipient of the Wiley Prize will be chosen from among candidates nominated by their peers. Nominations will be thoroughly reviewed by the jury as a primary means to select finalists for the prize.

I am very pleased to be participating in this effort to acknowledge significant contributions in the biomedical sciences. As a publisher, John Wiley & Sons recognizes the value of fostering the advancement of knowledge—and, as a scientist, I certainly understand the importance of supporting the work of researchers. The Wiley Foundation endowing this prize is meant to embody a cooperative approach between the publishing and scientific communities, an approach committed not only to recognizing excellence, but also to encouraging the overall advancement of science.

I look forward to beginning the evaluation process and I invite you to submit your nominations.

Thank you for your interest.