Salk scientist receives 2014 Ray Thomas Edwards Foundation Career Development Award

November 21, 2014

Salk scientist receives 2014 Ray Thomas Edwards Foundation Career Development Award

November 21, 2014

Janelle Ayres, Salk assistant professor in the Nomis Foundation Laboratories for Immunobiology and Microbial Pathogenesis, has been selected to receive the prestigious Ray Thomas Edwards Foundation Career Development Award. Only one three-year grant is conferred annually, aiming to foster the development of a promising early career biomedical researcher in San Diego County and to help him or her make the transition to becoming an independent investigator.

Ayres will receive $150,000 over three years to support her research into the complex ecosystem of the digestive system. Ayres aims to uncover how the trillions of bacteria in the stomach and intestines maintain health and wellness, and to better understand, treat and prevent infectious and inflammatory diseases that occur when harmful bacteria take over.

The Ray Thomas Edwards Foundation was established in 1997 to provide financial support for basic research in the biomedical sciences. Funded by an endowment from the late Ray Edwards, the foundation supports a range of programs designed to train and support San Diego’s future scientific leaders and provides much-needed resources for young researchers. The foundation has also provided funds to endow the Roger Guillemin and Francis Crick Nobel lecture series at the Salk Institute.

About the Salk Institute for Biological Studies:
The Salk Institute for Biological Studies is one of the world’s preeminent basic research institutions, where internationally renowned faculty probes fundamental life science questions in a unique, collaborative, and creative environment. Focused both on discovery and on mentoring future generations of researchers, Salk scientists make groundbreaking contributions to our understanding of cancer, aging, Alzheimer’s, diabetes and infectious diseases by studying neuroscience, genetics, cell and plant biology, and related disciplines.

Faculty achievements have been recognized with numerous honors, including Nobel Prizes and memberships in the National Academy of Sciences. Founded in 1960 by polio vaccine pioneer Jonas Salk, MD, the Institute is an independent nonprofit organization and architectural landmark.