The Hudson Prize carries a grant of $50,000 and was created by the Texas-based Hudson Foundation to recognize and encourage excellence in basic biomedical research at the Stowers Institute.

     In 1994, Mr. Stowers and his wife, Virginia, founded the Stowers Institute for Medical Research. As cancer survivors, the Stowers wanted to give future generations better medical options when faced with serious illness.

     Dr. Trainor’s research focuses on understanding the interactions between distinct tissues in the body and their regulation during embryogenesis to reveal pathways that regulate normal cranial and facial development. Abnormalities in this process account for one-third of all human congenital defects. Currently, his lab is investigating the role played by the cranial mesoderm in influencing the identity and migration of cranial neural crest cells though a combination of lineage tracing, cell transplantation, and cDNA library screening experiments.

     Additionally, Dr. Trainor’s team investigates the potential of neural crest stem cells to treat neurodegenerative disorders such as Huntington's disease. Under the right conditions, stem cell transplantations may be able to replenish depleted neurons and halt the progress of dementia, significantly improving the prognosis of affected individuals.

     “We are grateful to the Trustees of the Hudson Foundation for creating this prize to accelerate the pace of laboratory research in an area of basic biomedical science that holds great promise for humankind,” said William Neaves, president and CEO of the Stowers Institute. “The funds provided by the Hudson Prize will enable Dr. Trainor to pursue his research more aggressively. The Stowers Institute is pleased and honored to be the recipient of this annual award from the Hudson Foundation.”

     Dr. Trainor joined the Stowers Institute in 2001 from the National Institute for Medical Research in Mill Hill in London, England. He holds a Ph.D. in developmental biology from Children’s Medical Research Institute at the University of Sydney, Australia. In addition to his primary appointment at the Stowers Institute, Dr. Trainor currently holds an academic appointment as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology at The University of Kansas School of Medicine.

About the Hudson Foundation
     The Hudson Foundation was established in 1991 to further the Hudson's lifelong interest in supporting education, medical research, children's issues and the arts. M.R. Hudson was the founder of Hudson Oil Co. and later Fisca Oil Co.

About the Stowers Institute
     Incorporated in 1994 by American Century Companies founder Jim Stowers and his wife, Virginia, the Stowers Institute for Medical Research investigates the fundamental processes of cellular life. The Institute’s $1.7 billion endowment supports basic research of the highest quality to provide long-term solutions to gene-based diseases. The Institute’s commitment to collaborative research and the use of cutting-edge technology will lead to more effective means of preventing and curing disease. The 600,000 square-foot Institute, located in the heart of Kansas City, Mo., is home to 15 independent laboratories and core facilities in cytometry, imaging, and proteomics.

Please note: Additional information about Dr. Paul Trainor’s research program may be found at http://www.stowers-institute.org/labs/TrainorLab.asp. Photos available upon request.