Rosbash and professor emeritus Hall win prize with Michael W. Young for work on circadian rhythms

Photo/Mike Lovett

Michael Rosbash, the Peter Gruber Endowed Chair in Neuroscience at Brandeis University

Oct. 2, 2017

Brandeis University warmly congratulates Michael Rosbash, the Peter Gruber Endowed Chair in Neuroscience and professor of biology, and Jeffrey C. Hall, professor emeritus of biology, on being awarded the 2017 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.

The two colleagues, who arrived at Brandeis in 1974, did their pioneering work during their time at the university.

Focusing on the fruit fly, they discovered the molecular mechanisms controlling circadian rhythm, the inner biological clock that regulates almost all life on the planet.

Rosbash and Hall did their research on the period, or per, gene, which serves as a master clock regulating the ebb and flow of the circadian rhythm over a 24-hour cycle. This clock controls body temperature, metabolism and many other biological processes.

The award also went to Michael W. Young at the Rockefeller University in New York.

“Michael Rosbash and Jeffrey C. Hall represent the innovation and collaboration that Brandeis has been known for since its founding,” said Brandeis University President Ron Liebowitz. “This Nobel Prize is a fitting testament to their remarkable work, which has changed our understanding of the rhythms of life.

“Michael Rosbash is a wonderful scientist, teacher and mentor,” Liebowitz continued. “Not only is he probably our basketball and soccer teams’ No. 1 fan, he is the kind of Brandeis faculty member who comes to our annual Student Open House and takes the time to talk with prospective students, to share his lab and his enthusiasm with others. He represents the best of our science community, which combines original, rigorous research with the engagement of undergraduate and graduate students, doctoral candidates and postdocs, all interacting in what is sometimes a magical collaboration.”

Professor Rosbash said, “This morning’s unexpected announcement certainly affected my circadian rhythms. I am thrilled to join Jeffrey and Michael in this recognition. I am grateful to my colleagues at Brandeis and to the unusual environment here that allows researchers to explore without boundaries while also engaging students in the process of discovery. This is a very special — perhaps unique — university.”

Professor Emeritus Hall commented, “Being at Brandeis was extremely important. It was a small university and relatively informal. Everybody collaborated. We interacted with other departments very frequently.”

“Jeffrey C. Hall, Michael Rosbash and Michael W. Young were able to peek inside our biological clock and elucidate its inner workings,” the Nobel Prize committee said in a press release.

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