The Lasker~Koshland Special Achievement Award in Medical Science awarded to Piet Borst

These are no ordinary times and Piet Borst is no ordinary scientist. In a world challenged by existential threats such as pandemics, climate change and the consequent upsurge in populism, flagrant disinformation, and the global distrust of science and technology, the statesman scientist is a necessary and rare being. Piet Borst has embraced that role for most of his life while remaining a superb biochemist. Borst is this year’s winner of the Lasker~Koshland Special Achievement Award in Medical Science “for research accomplishments and scientific statesmanship that engender the deepest feelings of awe and respect”.