Gerard D. Schellenberg, PhD, Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and Director of the Penn Neurodegeneration Genomics Center, is the recipient of the 2023 BrightFocus Scientific Impact Award for his work to further scientific understanding of the connection between genomics and Alzheimer’s disease.

BrightFocus Foundation is a nonprofit that funds global research to defeat Alzheimer's disease, macular degeneration, and glaucoma. BrightFocus has awarded nearly $300 million in funding for “highly innovative experimental research and curative ideas” through its three flagship research programs – Alzheimer’s Disease Research, National Glaucoma Research, and Macular Degeneration Research. In addition to funding, the Foundation shares expert information and resources with families and communities impacted by these diseases of mind and sight.

The Scientific Impact Award was presented to Dr. Schellenberg during BrightFocus Foundation’s 50^th Anniversary Celebration and Awards, held on June 14, 2023 at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C. The program toasted the great strides made in the last 50 years and honored exemplary scientists working to end Alzheimer’s, macular degeneration, and glaucoma.

Dr. Schellenberg work focuses on applying advanced genome technology to finding human disease genes, which, as BrightFocus noted, is “essential to curing and treating” Alzheimer’s disease. In the first study to use large-scale genomic sequencing to identify a disease gene, Dr. Schellenberg identified the gene for Werner’s Syndrome, a premature aging disease. His Alzheimer’s disease work started with the mapping of the presenilin 1 and 2 genes and identification of presenilin 2.  In 2008, he formed the Alzheimer’s Disease Genetics Consortium and was part of a large-scale, international effort that resulted in the identification of over 70 novel AD risk loci. Dr. Schellenberg continues to serve as Director of the consortium, as well as co-leader of the Alzheimer’s Disease Sequencing Project (ADSP), chair of the Executive Committee and Cross Consortium Collaboration and Communication Committee (EC-4C) – ADSP, and co-director of the Genomic Center for Alzheimer’s Disease.

For more information about BrightFocus Foundation at brightfocus.org.

2023 BrightFocus award recipients (from left): Michael Kass, MD; Debra Tann, EdD; Mae Gordon, PhD;
and Gerard D. Schellenberg, PhD.
Photo and caption courtesy of BrightFocus Foundation