By Heather Holliday | March 7, 2005

Kazuo Inamori, president of the Inamori Foundation, with Chancellor Marye Anne Fox Photo Credit: Kevin Walsh

Dr. Alfred G. Knudson, Jr., senior member of the Fox Chase Cancer Center, spoke about genetic cancer in UCSD's Price Center Theatre on March 3 as part of the Kyoto Laureate Symposium. A three-day celebration taking place at UCSD, the University of San Diego and San Diego State University, the symposium honored the lives and work of those receiving the Kyoto Prize, an annual lifetime achievement award presented to individuals and groups worldwide. Knudson received the 2004 Kyoto Award in Basic Sciences for establishing the theory of the tumor suppressor gene in the mechanism of human carcinogenesis. Knudson's research, which shows how cancer develops in humans, has played a pivotal role in recent major developments in cancer research.

The evening's presentation was introduced by opening remarks from Dr. Edward Holmes, vice chancellor of Health Sciences, and newly-inaugurated Chancellor Marye Anne Fox. A short video introduced the Inamori Foundation, which established the Kyoto Prize. Another video presented a synopsis of Knudson's lifework, which was followed by Knudson's presentation, "Lessons from Hereditary Cancer." Among the scientific gems of knowledge, Knudson dropped in some overall kernels of wisdom, especially designated for students. "Don't get so fixed on only one way of doing something," he said. "Be aware of opportunities."