The American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) honored former University of New Mexico Vice President of Research and Economic Development Terry Yates recently with its “Distinguished Scientist Award.” Yates will receive the award posthumously.
Photo: Terry Yates
Each year the American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) awards eminent individuals or groups who have made significant scientific contributions to the biological sciences.
The awards will be presented on May 12 at the AIBS Annual Meeting, “Climate, Environment, and Infectious Diseases,” during a ceremony to be held at the Westin Arlington Gateway in Arlington, Virginia. Yates’ wife, Nancy, will be on hand to accept the award.
AIBS President Rita Colwell and Executive Director Richard O’Grady said in a joint statement: “We are pleased to honor these dedicated and talented individuals. From a variety of backgrounds, they have all made significant positive contributions to the field of biology.”
At the time of his death last December, Yates was vice president for research and economic development at UNM, as well as curator of genomic resources for UNM’s Museum of Southwestern Biology.
He served as president of the Natural Science Collections Alliance from 2004–2007 where he worked tirelessly on the national stage to increase awareness of the vitally important research in biological diversity, evolution, and ecology that is conducted at our nation’s natural science collections and museums.
Yates was best known for his groundbreaking research that isolated the source of the deadly Hantavirus, the serious respiratory disease that began afflicting many in the American Southwest in 1993. He was a member of the Board of Life Sciences of the National Academy of Sciences and an honorary member of the Society of Mammalogists, the highest honor bestowed by the organization.
Media Contact: Steve Carr, (505) 277-1821; email: scarr@unm.edu