The Genetics Society of America has chosen the UO's John H. Postlethwait, professor of biology and neuroscience, as the winner of this year's George W. Beadle Award for outstanding contributions to the community of genetics researchers.

The award recognizes Postlethwait for his role in groundbreaking UO research that established zebrafish as a model system for vertebrate genetics. Postlethwait, who built the first genetic map for zebrafish, will receive the honor during the GSA's sixth Strategic Conference of Zebrafish Investigators, Jan. 17–21, in Pacific Grove, Calif.

"Dr. Postlethwait's work began the molecular genetic era of zebrafish research and has helped to demystify the evolution of genes and genomes," said Alex Schier, professor and chair of molecular and cellular biology at Harvard University and a conference organizer. "He has also strengthened the zebrafish community through his generous data sharing, collaborative spirit and help for dozens of labs in mutation and gene mapping."

The George W. Beadle Award was established in 1999 to honor individuals for outstanding contributions in genetics and who exemplify the qualities of its namesake as a respected academic, administrator and public servant. Beadle, who served as president of the genetics society in 1946, won the 1958 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his work with Edward L. Tatum in discovering that genes act by regulating definite chemical events. Beadle died in 1989.

For more information, read the GSA's news release.