MIT’s 2016-2017 James R. Killian Jr. Faculty Achievement Award was presented to biology professor Eric Lander. Lander, of MBBP client Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, is a renowned biologist recognized for his research in mapping the human genome. The Killian Award, established in 1971, honors faculty members who demonstrate extraordinary professional achievements. 
Lander led the international Human Genome Project from 1990 to 2003, which included the development of techniques to map the human genome. He has taught his MIT introductory biology course for over 20 years. In addition to these achievements, Lander serves as co-chair of the White House’s President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology.
Lander joined the Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research in 1986. The Whitehead Institute is a non-profit research facility that works to improve human health through biomedical research.
The Killian Award committee explained that “unlocking the information in genomes has been one of the defining scientific revolutions of the past quarter century. With the Killian Award, the committee acknowledges the transformative effect Professor Lander has had on the study of biology and medicine. We honor Professor Eric S. Lander for these extraordinary contributions, and for his roles as a gifted leader, teacher, mentor, and public advocate for science at the highest levels.”
In response, Lander stated that he is “tremendously honored, especially because this is an award conferred by my faculty colleagues at MIT. There is no higher recognition.”
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