For 61 years, the Albert Lasker Medical Research Awards have celebrated scientists whose accomplishments have made major advances in the understanding and treatment of many of the great crippling and killing diseases of our century. Nature Medicine is pleased to present a free collection of commentaries by Ralph Steinman, Albert Starr, Alain Carpentier and Anthony Fauci, the recipients of this year’s Lasker Awards.

Juan-Carlos Lopez, Chief Editor of Nature Medicine, introduces the collection:

“The Lasker Awards are arguably the most coveted prize in biomedical research. Ever since their creation, the Awards have set the standard of scientific excellence. This year, the Basic Medical Research Award recognizes Ralph Steinman’s discovery of dendritic cells—cells of the immune system that initiate and regulate the body’s response to foreign pathogens. The Clinical Medical Research Award honors Albert Starr and Alain Carpentier, inventors of the mechanical and ‘bioprosthetic’ cardiac valves, respectively. Last, the Public Service Award acknowledges the remarkable work of Anthony Fauci, who has led the efforts to create an unprecedented international AIDS treatment and prevention plan that will save millions of lives in the developing world.

To receive recognition from the Lasker jury is one of the greatest triumphs that any scientist can aspire to achieve. We are delighted to publish this collection of commentaries by the recipients of this year’s Lasker Awards, and wish to add our congratulations to the winners for their remarkable achievements.”