Fox Chase Cancer Center Scientist to Receive John Scott Award

PHILADELPHIA (November 10, 1998) -- For his outstanding contributions to the advancement of international science and medicine, Baruch S. Blumberg, M.D., Ph.D., a Fox Chase Cancer Center Distinguished Scientist, will be presented with the John Scott Award Friday, November 20, at 5 p.m. at the Chemical Heritage Foundation in Philadelphia.

The Award is given to deserving men and women whose inventions have furthered the happiness and welfare of mankind. It was established in the early 1800s by Edinburgh druggist John Scott, and consists of a copper medal and a $10,000 prize. Scott entrusted the management of the awards to the Corporation of Philadelphia. Why he chose an American city to administer the award is not known. Today, the Board of Directors of City Trusts confers the honor.

The first John Scott Awards were made in 1834, for the inventions of the knitting machine and a door lock. In this century, most of the awards have been granted to contributors to science and medicine. Famous recipients of the John Scott Award include Mme. Curie, Thomas Edison, the Wright brothers and Jonas Salk.

Dr. Blumberg's achievements have had a far-reaching impact on public health around the globe. He discovered the hepatitis B virus in 1967. Since then, he has provided major insights into the development and prevention of the hepatitis B infection and the fatal liver diseases associated with it.

In 1976, Dr. Blumberg was awarded the Nobel Prize in medicine for his 1967 discovery, and he has received many subsequent honors, including election to the National Academy of Sciences, the American Philosophical Society and the National Inventors Hall of Fame. From 1989 until 1994, he was master of Balliol College at Oxford University for five years. He has been a member of Fox Chase Cancer Center's staff since 1964, and he is presently senior advisor to the Center president and a Distinguished Scientist.

Fox Chase Cancer Center is one of 34 National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the nation. Fox Chase activities include basic and clinical research; prevention, detection, and treatment of cancer; and community outreach programs.