The Award, given for research accomplishments and scientific statesmanship that engender the deepest feelings of awe and respect, recognized Baltimore as, “One of the premier biomedical scientists of the last five decades, who is renowned for the breadth and beauty of his discoveries in virology, immunology, and cancer. [And who] has provided visionary academic leadership at multiple institutions and has mentored trainees who have later become prominent scientists in their fields.” In 1982, Baltimore collaborated with philanthropist Edwin C. “Jack” Whitehead to launch the Whitehead Institute, which quickly gained a global reputation for pioneering biological research.