The prize, which comprises a gold medal and 30.000 DKK, was presented by professor Morten Kielland-Brandt of the Carlsberg Laboratory.
Professor Emr does research within the area of molecular cell biology. All living cells, including yeast and human cells contain a number of membrane-enclosed compartments. These compartments consist of proteins, membrane components and other compounds having specific biochemical functions in each cell e.g. degradation of various sugars. In order for a cell to function correctly, it is essential that the constituents of the individual compartments receive precise information about how and where in the cell they are supposed to function.
Professor Emr's contribution to this field originates primarily from studies in yeast. He has made extensive use of genetic methods to determine how these processes take place. The results of his work are particularly significant, as many of the most fundamental processes that are important for living yeast have human counterparts with similar function.
After the prize awarding ceremony, professor Emr gave a talk on the latest results of his research.
Professor Emil Chr. Hansen was head of Department of Physiology at the Carlsberg Laboratory from 1879 to 1909. He was the first to develop a method for propagating pure yeast, which revolutionised the brewing industry all over the world. The Emil Christian Hansen Foundation awards prizes to appreciate outstanding achievements in microbiology. The last recipient, in 2000, was Professor N. Ronald Morris.
Further information:
Professor Morten Kielland-Brandt, +45 33 27 53 31
Carlsberg Research Center