Pioneering Diabetes Researcher Honored for Mentoring Next Generation of Scientists
Contact: Laura Coverson | Email: laura.coverson@cshs.org
Los Angeles - June 8, 2015 – Richard Bergman, PhD, a renowned diabetes and obesity researcher, is being recognized by the American Diabetes Association for his distinguished record of mentoring a new generation of scientists.
Bergman, director of the Cedars-Sinai Diabetes & Obesity Research Institute, has received the Albert Renold Award from the American Diabetes Association for his outstanding contributions to training emerging diabetes researchers and for facilitating scientific investigation in the specialized field.
In a career spanning four decades, Bergman has trained or mentored many doctoral students and postdoctoral fellows in basic and clinical science. His students, many of whom have gone on to make their own scientific contributions to the field of diabetes, praise Bergman for his insightful and sensitive guidance.
"This is a wonderful honor. I am very proud of the scientists we train at the institute," said Bergman, who holds the Alfred Jay Firestein Chair in Diabetes Research. "It is thrilling to have this opportunity to celebrate the process and not just the results of our research."
Bergman received the award in Boston at the American Diabetes Association's 75th Scientific Sessions, a large international assembly of scientists and physicians sharing the latest research into the causes and treatment of diabetes.
Bergman is widely recognized for his pioneering research into the development of diabetes and insulin resistance and its link to obesity. He has coupled that work with a strong commitment to training diabetes researchers.
"At Cedars-Sinai, we can give young diabetes scientists the best, most rigorous training, but we have to be good role models, too," said Bergman. "We try to create an environment where emerging scientists can innovate and think for themselves, and then we help them minimize mistakes on the path to important discoveries."
Cedars-Sinai faculty leaders said they were pleased the award recognized Bergman's dedication to his students.
"Dr. Bergman's research has been invaluable to Cedars-Sinai's scientific and clinical achievements. Importantly, his leadership in attracting and mentoring the top minds in basic science is critical to enriching diabetes discovery," said Shlomo Melmed, MD, senior vice president of Academic Affairs and dean of the medical faculty. "We are delighted to congratulate Dr. Bergman on this wonderful recognition by his peers."