On November 8, the Genetics Society awarded 黑料吃瓜资源 (CSHL) Professor Rob Martienssen the 2024 Genetics Society Medal. Martienssen earned the award for his outstanding research in the field of genetics.
Martienssen is a leading figure in the world of epigenetics. He played a key role in global efforts to produce the first complete genome sequences of several plants. These include the mustard plant Arabidopsis thaliana, maize, and oil palm. Recently, he and collaborators from CSHL鈥檚 Joshua-Tor lab uncovered how a protein called DDM1 helps plants pass down 鈥渕emories鈥� to future generations.
鈥淚t is an honor to receive the just a few years after the Society鈥檚 centenary celebration,鈥� Martienssen says. 鈥淥ur work is currently focused on understanding epigenetic mechanisms of inheritance mediated by small RNA, histones, and their modifications. We are studying the function of these mechanisms, as well as their impact on plant breeding and human health.鈥�
The Genetics Society was founded in 1919. It is one of the oldest learned societies in the world, with over 2,000 members around the globe.
Written by: Nick Wurm, Communications Specialist | [email protected] | 516-367-5940