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Sergio Lavandero received the Hermann Schmidt-Hebbel medal for his contributions to science.
- April 20, 2023
- Publicado por: ACCDIS
- Category: News Featured news
By unanimous decision, the full members of the Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Chile awarded the “Hermann Schmidt-Hebbel 2023” medal to Sergio Lavandero, winner of the National Science Award 2022 for his outstanding career of more than 38 years as an academic and researcher at the University of Chile. Dr. Lavandero has been a reference globally and in Chile for his research on the heart and cardiovascular pathologies.
The ceremony was held at the central house of the University of Chile and began with the words of the President of the Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Chile (ACFCH) Professor Carla Delporte, who emphasized that the Professor Hermann Schmidt-Hebbel Medal is named after one of the founders of the Faculty of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of Chile and the Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Chile (ACFCH).
Dr. Schmidt-Hebbel was a brilliant professional, outstanding academic and scientist of the University of Chile. In his memory, every two years the ACFCH recognizes the contributions to knowledge, development and innovation in the Pharmaceutical Sciences, being awarded this year 2023 the researcher Sergio Lavandero, National Prize of Natural Sciences 2022.
“In this opportunity we wanted to make this recognition in the central house of the University of Chile, in honor of Dr. Lavandero, since this has been his home of study and professional development throughout his career,” said the academic Delporte.
Currently, Dr. Lavandero is principal investigator and Director of the Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDIS), adjunct professor at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, academic of the Faculty of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Chile and University Senator of the same university. He is also vice-president of the Chilean Academy of Sciences.
His contributions to research and teaching have been complemented with a contribution to national scientific societies (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, Cardiology and Physiological Sciences) and international (International Heart Society for Heart Research, American Heart Association).
Also noteworthy is the creation and direction of the first Chilean Center of Excellence -FONDAP- ACCDIS in which chronic non-communicable diseases are studied. In addition, he participated in the installation and initial direction of the Regional Associative Project of Scientific and Technological Dissemination and Valuation Explora Región Metropolitana Norte (2019-2022).
He has been president of the Latin American Section of the International Society for Heart Research (ISHR) and is the only representative of Iberoamerica as Associate Editor of Circulation, the No. 1 scientific journal in the cardiovascular area. He has published more than 320 articles in indexed international journals, six book chapters, 30 articles in national journals and five patents.
“I am grateful for the distinction of the academy, I am very proud to contribute and promote science, technology, knowledge, innovation and artistic creation within and outside my borders. One of my greatest professional achievements has been to be able to prepare the next generation, proudly to date there are more than 200 researchers and/or professionals and more than 80 academics currently working in university or research institutions in Chile or abroad” said Lavandero.
During the ceremony, the academic Rosemarie Mellado, corresponding member of ACFCH and also a researcher trained by Professor Lavandero, highlighted the scientific productivity and contribution to public policies in health, developed by the researcher noting that “for many years I have witnessed the vocation of service to public health and research of chronic diseases. There are many of us who have felt honored to be part of his process and his life in research. For his academic and scientific contribution, today he is worthy of this medal and not only for being awarded the National Prize of Natural Sciences, but also for being a Chilean researcher with national and international recognition.
The event was attended by the Rector of the University of Chile Professor Rosa Devés, Dr. Catterina Ferreccio, deputy director of ACCDIS, María Nella Gai Hernández, Carlos Calvo, both full members of the Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Yedy Israel, professor awarding previous years, Richard Solis, director of extension of the Faculty of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of Chile, academics of the university and students of Professor Lavandero.