To: All Yale Faculty, Students & Staff
From: Richard C. Levin
Summary: Professor Tom Steitz
Date: 07-OCT-2009 04:22:00 PM    Message ID: 46361


It is with the greatest pride and enthusiasm that I congratulate Sterling Professor Tom Steitz on being awarded the 2009 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Tom is a towering figure in the field of structural biology and his prize honors work that he has carried out over a long period of time to identify the structure of the ribosome, which is one of the most difficult problems in molecular science. His relentless pursuit to solve a puzzle at the very foundation of biology inspires us, not only by its intellectual rigor, but also by its potential for the treatment of infectious diseases. His work is a compelling example of how a quest to answer fundamental questions about life processes can lead to dramatic benefits for mankind.

For nearly 40 years, Tom and his wife Joan, also a Sterling Professor, have been devoted University citizens as well as leaders in their field. I know that so many of us are personally pleased that such a widely admired colleague has received such momentous recognition for his profound contribution to scientific knowledge. It is characteristic of Tom that in speaking about the prize he was quick to acknowledge the important role of his longtime collaborator, Sterling Professor Peter Moore.

The Yale University website (www.yale.edu) contains more information about Tom's pioneering work. I encourage you to read about his great honor and listen to his remarks at today's news conference.

Richard C. Levin
President