The Lasker Awards program was created in 1945 by Albert and Mary Lasker to shine a spotlight on fundamental biological discoveries and clinical advances that improve human health, and to draw attention to the importance of public support of science.
Lasker Awards are given in the categories of Basic Research, Clinical Research, Special Achievement, and Public Service. The Lasker Foundation is now accepting nominations for the 2025 Lasker Awards. Visit our nomination page for more information.
Albert Lasker Basic Medical Research Award: For a fundamental discovery that opens up a new area of biomedical science.
Lasker~DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award: For a major advance that improves the lives of many thousands of people.
Lasker~Koshland Special Achievement Award in Medical Science: For research accomplishments and scientific statesmanship that engender the deepest feelings of awe and respect.
Lasker~Bloomberg Public Service Award: For improving the public’s understanding of medical research, public health, or healthcare; playing a major role in the support of policy, legislative, or other initiatives that accelerate progress in medical science or health; providing or generating support for medical science or public health; benefiting the lives of many people through public health practice. NOTE: The Public Service Award is given every other year; it will next be offered in 2026.
Lasker Medical Research Awardees are selected by an international jury chaired by Joseph L. Goldstein, recipient of the 1985 Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research and the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. Lasker~Bloomberg Public Service Award winners are selected by a jury chaired by Margaret A. Hamburg.
