UCSD scientist honored for Down syndrome research

J-r-me Lejeune Foundation US Scientific Committee Chair acknowledged by US Congress, honored with international prize in Paris

William C. Mobley, MD, PhD, chair of the Department of Neurosciences at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine and Chairman of the U.S. Scientific Advisory Committee of the J-r-me Lejeune Foundation, was recognized by U.S. Congressman Pete Sessions from the floor of the House of Representatives in December. Sessions said of Mobley - who received the International Sisley-J-r-me Lejeune Prize in a ceremony at the Museum of Medical History in Paris on December 8 - "Dr. Mobley's many contributions in the field of Down syndrome have been truly valued in the special needs community. His research to identify causes of neurodegenerative disorders has brought new optimism to those afflicted with diseases, from Alzheimer's to Down syndrome."

The International Sisley-J-r-me Lejeune award was given to Mobley in recognition of his ambitious and innovative research into treatments for neurological disabilities, in particular Down syndrome. In his acceptance speech, Mobley commented that "Today, we have not yet developed an effective treatment, but our work shows that it will soon be possible."

"His commitment and expertise in this area are a guarantee of excellence for the Foundation," said Jean-Marc Guilloux, Executive Director of the U.S. J-r-me Lejeune Foundation. "We are honored that a researcher of Dr. Mobley's stature has agreed to assist us at this critical stage of launching this new initiative in the United States on behalf of those with genetic intellectual disabilities." Mobley will be joined on the U.S. Scientific Advisory Committee by Randi Hagerman, MD, professor of the M.I.N.D. Institute at the University of California, Davis, and a research specialist in Fragile X syndrome, and by David Patterson, PhD, professor at the University of Denver, a researcher in the fields Down syndrome and autism.

The International Sisley-J-r-me Lejeune Prize carries a cash award and is made possible by a generous grant of the Sisley Foundation, Paris.