Kerstin Lindblad-Toh new member of National Academy of Sciences

Kerstin Lindblad-Toh, Professor of Comparative Genomics

The National Academy of Sciences has announced the new members of 2020. Among the internationally leading researchers is Kerstin Lindblad-Toh, Professor of Comparative Genomics at Uppsala University as well as Scientific Director of Vertebrate Genomics at the Broad Institute. Kerstin Lindblad-Toh leads the 200 Mammals Project, in which the genetic mass of 240 selected mammals have been mapped. For many years she also conducted studies on the genetics of dogs, which is expected to contribute to the development of better drugs for both animals and humans.

– For me as a researcher, being elected by the National Academy of Sciences is an extremely great honour, for which I am very grateful. I see it as confirmation that my scientific results are important, and above all, it is a message that really spurs me on for the future. At the same time, I would like to thank the many lab members and collaboration partners who helped with these studies, says Kerstin Lindblad-Toh.

Kerstin Lindblad-Toh takes her place in a very exclusive scientific society. Since Abraham Lincoln founded the Academy in 1863, no less than 200 Nobel Laureates have participated in the work, among them Albert Einstein and Frances Arnold. Over the years, only a few Swedes have been elected – exceptions include Leif Andersson, Professor of Functional Genomics at Uppsala University, who became a member in 2012.

– It is fantastic news and something that the entire Uppsala University has every reason to be proud of. I would like to congratulate Kerstin Lindblad-Toh, who in her research continues to play a crucial role for several key achievements in comparative genomics, says Eva Åkesson, Vice-Chancellor of Uppsala University.

The National Academy of Sciences, with its headquarters in Washington D.C., gathers 2,403 active members who, in accordance with the Academy’s original task, “investigate, examine, experiment, and report upon any subject of science or art”.