Charles E. Helmstetter Prize
About the prize
The bacterial cell cycle serves as a cornerstone of microbial physiology, influencing various fields ranging from host-microbe interactions to synthetic biology. Understanding this fundamental process not only sheds light on the intricate workings of bacterial cells but also holds implications for diverse areas such as agricultural microbiology, industrial biotechnology, human health, and the origins of life. In 2022, The Charles E. Helmstetter Prize was established by the collaborative efforts of Vic Norris, Arieh Zaritsky, and other specialists in the field, aiming to recognize and celebrate groundbreaking research that furthers our knowledge of bacterial cell cycle.
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About Charles E. Helmstetter
Charles E. Helmstetter's seminal contributions, spanning decades of dedicated research and innovation from the 1960s to the close of the 20th century, not only laid the groundwork for modern investigations into bacterial cell physiology, but also set a standard of excellence that continues to inspire researchers today. The Charles E. Helmstetter Prize stands as a testament to the profound impact of his pioneering work in advancing our understanding of the bacterial cell cycle.
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Advisory Board
Charles E. Helmstetter
Florida Institute of Technology Melbourne, USA
Dr. Charles E. Helmstetter's seminal contributions, spanning decades of dedicated research and innovation from the 1960s to the close of the 20th century, not only laid the groundwork for modern investigations into bacterial cell physiology, but also set a standard of excellence that continues to inspire researchers today.
Terence Hwa
University of California San-Diego, USA
Dr. Terence Hwa has made significant contributions to bacterial physiology by establishing growth laws and principles of proteomic resource allocation. His research culminated in a theory predicting bacterial behaviors and gene expression under various conditions, advancing our understanding of microbial life.
Nancy Kleckner
Harvard University, USA
Dr. Nancy Kleckner is renowned for her pioneering research on dynamic chromosomal processes in E. coli and eukaryotic cells. She discovered SeqA, a protein crucial in DNA replication initiation, significantly advancing the field of bacterial cell cycle research and broadening our understanding of chromosomal behavior across various organisms.
Vic Norris
University of Rouen, France
Dr. Vic Norris is celebrated for uncovering the molecular mechanisms that govern bacterial cellular processes, focusing on signaling, stress responses, and cellular organization. His pioneering research has significantly advanced our understanding of bacterial physiology and the intricate processes that maintain cellular function under various conditions.
Arieh Zaritsky
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel
Dr. Arieh Zaritsky is a bacterial physiologist, professor emeritus at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel. His research focuses on the coupling of chromosome replication and segregation with cell growth, division and dimensions. He discovered a tight coupling of cell Width to Nucleoid Complexity, and the still-elusive Inter-Initiations Eclipse, the mechanisms of both are challenges for the near future. During the last decade of the 20th century, he was involved in environmental studies, biologically controlling mosquitos and other insect pests by Bacillus thuringiensis.
