A researcher at UCLA has been recognized for groundbreaking advancements in the field of hematology studies.

Dr. Elizabeta Nemeth, the president-elect of the International Bioiron Society and a professor of medicine, has been honoured with the 2021 William Dameshek Prize by the American Society of Hematology (ASH). This prestigious award in the field of hematology recognises Dr. Nemeth's significant contributions to the understanding of iron homeostasis and its dysregulation in various diseases.

The William Dameshek Prize, established in honour of the late William Dameshek, a past president of ASH and the original editor of the Society's flagship journal, Blood, is a testament to the impactful research conducted by Dr. Nemeth. This year, the prize will be presented to her at the 63rd ASH Annual Meeting and Exposition in Atlanta, Georgia in December.

Dr. Nemeth's research has been transformative in understanding the interplay between iron, infection, and immunity. She has developed hepcidin-like agonists and delineated the role of hepcidin in innate immunity against gram-negative bacteria. One of her most notable discoveries was identifying IL-6 as the main driver of hepcidin and defining the structural basis of the hepcidin-ferroportin interaction.

These discoveries have led to the creation of novel diagnostic tools and treatments for patients with iron disorders. Understanding how iron deficiency or excess impacts fetal development in utero, according to Dr. Nemeth, will have a global impact.

In 2016, Dr. Nemeth was featured in the Cell Metabolism series on women leaders in the field of metabolism. She continues to study iron pathobiology in pregnancy, infectious disease, inflammatory disorders, and iron overload disorders.

Dr. Nemeth has also received the International BioIron Society Presidential Award for her work on the mode of action of hepcidin and the molecular basis of systemic iron homeostasis. She expressed her admiration for the hematology research and clinical community, exemplified by ASH.

Upon receiving the award, Dr. Nemeth considered it an extraordinary honour and expressed her gratitude towards the society. The William Dameshek Prize honours recipients for their work in hematology, and Dr. Nemeth's contributions have undoubtedly made a significant impact in this field.

A researcher at UCLA has been recognized for groundbreaking advancements in the field of hematology studies.