October 2, 2006: The University of Massachusetts Medical School's Craig C. Mello, PhD, and his colleague Andrew Fire, PhD, of Stanford University, were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for 2006 for their discoveries related to RNA interference.
"This is an incredible day for the University of Massachusetts Medical School. We are so very proud that Dr. Mello is the Medical School's first recipient of this illustrious prize. His enthusiasm for scientific pursuits and innovation is an inspiration to his faculty colleagues, postdoctoral fellows, students and staff alike," said Chancellor and Dean Aaron Lazare.
Nobel Week, December 2006
In early December, Nobel Laureates arrive in Stockholm, Sweden to present their Nobel Lectures and to prepare for the Nobel Prize Award Ceremony, which is traditionally held on December 10, the death anniversary of Alfred Nobel, founder of the Nobel Prize.