Local researcher wins the Nobel Prize in Medicine

Mary Brunkow, an alumna of the University of Washington, won the Nobel Prize in Medicine for her significant contributions to understanding the human immune system. She shares this honor with Fred Ramsdell and Shimon Sakaguchi for their collaborative research on how the immune system can fight diseases without harming the body’s own cells. Their findings are crucial for advancing therapies for both cancer and autoimmune diseases, marking a transformative step in medical research. Brunkow graduated in 1983 with a bachelor’s degree in Molecular & Cellular Biology and currently works at the Institute for Systems Biology in Seattle. Interestingly, she initially missed the Nobel Committee's call because she thought it was spam.

This achievement underscores the impact of local researchers in the global medical community. The work of Brunkow and her colleagues may lead to new treatment options, potentially improving the lives of countless patients. Their research exemplifies the importance of innovative science in addressing complex health challenges.