CAMBRIDGE, Mass.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Aug. 20, 2003—The Edward M. Scolnick Prize in Neuroscience Research To Honor Former President of Merck Research Laboratories.

Dr. Phillip A. Sharp, Director of the McGovern Institute at MIT, announced today the creation of The Edward M. Scolnick Prize in Neuroscience Research, named in honor of the former President of Merck Research Laboratories. The annual research prize will recognize an outstanding discovery or significant advance in the field of neuroscience.

"This award will honor Dr. Scolnick's outstanding leadership in pharmaceutical science and service to humanity," said Dr. Sharp,"as well as his commitment to the advancement of neuroscience and alleviation of mental diseases. The Scolnick Prize will bring greater visibility to the field of neuroscience, attracting young scientists to the field and encouraging increased support of this important research."

Dr. Edward M. Scolnick stepped down as President of Merck Research Laboratories in December 2002, after holding Merck & Co., Inc.'s top research post for 17 years. During his tenure, Dr. Scolnick led the discovery, development and introduction of 29 new medicines and vaccines. While many of the medicines and vaccines have contributed to improving patient health, some have revolutionized the ways in which certain diseases are treated.

"Ed's research interests and efforts in the field of severe mental disorders have increased over the years, and he is now pursuing this scientifically and socially complex disease area on a full-time basis," said Dr. Peter S. Kim, current President of Merck Research Laboratories, "I'm pleased that MIT's McGovern Institute and Merck were able to create what we hope to be the premiere neuroscience research award to recognize one of the true scientific leaders of our time." The Edward M. Scolnick Prize will be supported by a grant from The Merck Company Foundation.

The annual Prize will provide an important focus for the international neuroscience community, building bridges that will promote future collaborations and an accelerated pace of neuroscience research. It will consist of an award equal to $50,000 and will be awarded each year to one recipient, starting in fiscal year 2004. The Prize will be memorialized in an inscribed gift presented to the annual Edward M. Scolnick Prize recipient.

The McGovern Institute will be responsible for the selection process, announcement of the award, and management of the ceremonies associated with the annual award. The Director of the McGovern Institute will establish a Selection Committee consisting of at least seven members, including a committee chair. All members will be recognized neuroscientists. Individuals associated with MIT as full-time employees will not be eligible for the Prize, nor will active members of the Committee be considered. The Committee will solicit the national and international neuroscience community for Prize nominations. The Prize recipient(s) will present a public lecture at MIT, which will be hosted by the McGovern Institute, and followed by the annual award ceremony.

About the McGovern Institute at MIT

The McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT is a research and teaching institute committed to advancing human understanding and communications. The goal of the McGovern Institute is to investigate and ultimately understand the biological basis of all higher brain function in humans. The McGovern Institute conducts integrated research in neuroscience, genetic and cellular neurobiology, cognitive science, computation, and related areas.

By determining how the brain works, from the level of gene expression in individual neurons to the interrelationships between complex neural networks, the McGovern Institute's efforts work to improve human health, discover the basis of learning and recognition, and enhance education and communication. The McGovern Institute contributes to the most basic knowledge of the fundamental mysteries of human awareness, decisions, and actions.

For additional information, please go to http://web.mit.edu/mcgovern.

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