An Emory University professor received another prestigious award Tuesday for his research on immunology.

Dr. Max Cooper is the co-recipient of the Albert Lasker Basic Medical Research Award. Cooper and Australian scientist, Dr. Jacques Miller, were honored for their work which has contributed to the advancement of anti-cancer and anti-cytokine drugs for the treatment of diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. They began their research decades ago.

> RELATED: Emory doctor’s research wins international honor

The award includes a $250,000 prize. Cooper said he’ll use some of his share for additional research and give the rest to his wife.

Cooper and Miller last year were awarded the Japan Prize, one of the most-acclaimed scientific awards in the world, for their work.

Cooper said in a telephone interview he’s humbled by the award and thankful that his work has made an impact. Cooper, who turned 86 last month, is working on research he began more than a decade ago to study the immune system.

Why does he continue to do the work?

“The fun of discovery and the hope of finding something that will be interesting and medically viable,” he said.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Kara Amouyal, a parent of a Westchester Elementary school student, speaks as Decatur parents met with Education Planners, a consulting firm, on Nov. 13, at Beacon Hill Middle School in Decatur to discuss the possibility of one of the district's five K-2 schools closing. (Daniel Varnado for the AJC)

Credit: Daniel Varnado/For the Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Featured

More metro Atlanta sellers are deciding to take their homes off the market, according to a new report. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC