WHAT:

Genetics studies that build on clinical trials investigating asthma and bipolar disorder will be the focus of a talk by Nan M. Laird, Ph.D., professor of biostatistics with the Harvard School of Public Health and recipient of this year’s Janet L. Norwood Award for Outstanding Achievement by a Woman in Statistical Sciences. Following her talk, the Norwood Award — a plaque and $5,000 — will be presented to Laird by the Section on Statistical Genetics in the Department of Biostatistics in the School of Public Health at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). UAB President Carol Garrison will attend.

WHEN:

9:30 a.m. Thursday, October 10, 2003
(Reception will follow at 11 a.m.)

WHERE:

Alys Stephens Center
Reynolds-Kirschbaum Recital Hall
1200 10th Avenue South
Birmingham, AL

MORE:

With the mapping of the human genome, there is now widespread availability of genetic information about individuals. This provides many opportunities for research aimed at a better understanding of the basis of disease and disorders, as well as an understanding of the role of genes in developing effective therapies. Laird has been involved in two such genetics sub-studies, building on clinical trials investigating asthma and bipolar disorder. Sub-studies focus on finding genes associated with these disorders.

The Janet L. Norwood Award, first awarded in 2002, is named in honor of the former commissioner of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. It recognizes outstanding women for their contributions to the field of mathematics and honors them for their role in leading other women to careers in statistical sciences.

The event is free and open to the public but reservations are required. For more information, please call (205) 975-7742.