a Awarded by the Heineken Foundation once every three years, the Dr. H.P. Heineken prize for outstanding achieve ment in the field of biochemistry or biophysics was presented by His Royal Highness Prince Claus of the Netherlands to the British scientist Dr. Aaron Klug at an Amsterdam ceremony last year. The prize, a sum of about 50,000, is accompanied by an exact replica of the microscope developed by Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, eminent Dutch micros- copist and naturalist. The replica is mounted on a specially designed crystal portraying four symbols related to biochemistry, biophysics, microbiology and the germination physiology of seeds. The award is made on the recommendation of a special committee set up by the Physics Department of the Royal Dutch Academy of Science. It was founded for two purposes: to honour the memory of Dr. H.P. Heineken, himself a chemist, who devoted his outstanding ability to the service of the Heineken company as Director and President, and to contribute to promotion of the four sciences depicted by the crystal. These are related to the brewing process. Dr. Klug, sixth winner of the prize, received the award for his work over a long period in a wide field of scientific research. Throughout his career the 52-year old Briton has shown himself to be a versatile scientist. He has been active in a number of scientific fields and has been able to combine his knowledge of chemistry, physics, mathematics and biology - a rather rare achievement in a world of increasing specialization. The research for which Dr. Klug was honoured is best summarized as a determination of the structure of macro- molecular complexes. Through his work he has increased available knowledge and so created new fields of possible research The presentation ceremony, held in the auditorium of the Royal Dutch Academy of Science, was opened by Professor Dr. Lever, Chairman of the Physics Depart ment. Professor Dr. H.C.J. Berendsen, member of the Preparatory Committee, then explained the reasons for the jury's choice. Next to address the gathering was Mr. A.H. Heineken in his role as Chairman of the Board of the Heineken Foundation. He expressed his gratitude to Prince Claus for being willing to present the award in spite of the fact that his presence was required elsewhere that same afternoon in connec tion with Her Majesty Queen Juliana's seventieth birthday. Mr. Heineken again emphasized that the company's purpose, when establishing the Heineken Founda tion in 1963, was to promote scientific activities. The major reason had been the wish to recognise openly that, in today's world, modern industry and business could exist and thrive only with the aid of science. Mr. Heineken ended his speech by formally requesting the Prince to present the award. In his address to the prize-winner Prince Claus praised Dr. Klug's achievements: "For many years you have worked in the front rank of scientific progress. With your funda mental study of the complicated problems of analytical techniques, and intricate compositions of the various structures, you have made a most important contribution to the extension of knowledge of essential processes of life, from which today's medical science derives much benefit." Expressing his thanks, Dr. Klug said he had been very honoured that he should have been the one to receive the Dr. H.P. Heineken prize. Professor Dr. L.L.M. van Deenen, who received the Heineken prize three years ago, was also there to congratulate Dr. Klug. British scientist awarded Dn H. R Heineken prize Prince Claus presents the Dr. H.P. Heineken prize to Dr. Aaron Klug. 3

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Heineken Contact | 1980 | | pagina 3