by the Jenifer Altman Foundation

Five scientists, whose work exemplifies the pursuit of science in the public interest are being honored not only for their research but for their steadfast commitment to scientific integrity - often in the face of great personal sacrifice.

The 2005 Jenifer Altman Awards, created by the Upstream Fund (a donor-advised fund of the Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, www.jaf.org/Upstream) will be given this year in honor of outstanding dedication to scientific integrity in environmental health sciences and the pursuit of science in the public interest. The awards will be presented annually, and will focus around a different theme each year.

This year's winners will each receive a $5,000 award along with national recognition for their commitment to the scientific process and the public's right to full and accurate information regarding their findings. In some cases, publication of their research placed them at the center of national or international controversy and fierce personal and professional attacks.

"These scientists set the standard for personal and professional scientific integrity," said Michael Lerner, president of Commonweal and the Jenifer Altman Foundation and advisor to the Upstream Fund. "Even in the face of great personal sacrifice, each was willing to stand up for what he or she knew to be the truth and for the public's right to know the science. They truly deserve our honor and respect."

The five scientists being honored are:

Romeo Quijano, M.D., Professor, University of the Philippines, Manila -- His study showed how chemicals used at a banana plantation affected the human and ecological health of a neighboring village. The publication and wide dissemination of his findings resulted in a libel suit by the plantation company, the major owner of which was also the head of the Philippines Department of Agriculture. Dr. Quijano was subsequently arrested (and later released) because of his work and has received death threats for his willingness to speak out in defense of the villagers. While the criminal libel case has been dismissed, a $100,000 civil damage suit is still ongoing against Dr. Quijano and his daughter.

Tyrone Hayes, PhD - University of California, Berkeley - His research showed that exposure to extremely low levels of atrazine has devastating health effects for frogs. His findings were repeatedly criticized by industry-funded scientists and public relations specialists, yet Dr. Hayes persisted in his research, confirming and extending his results. He also showed through rigorous analysis that industry-funded studies purporting to contradict his research were highly biased. A brilliant public speaker, Dr. Hayes has appeared in public and scientific meetings around the world.

Ignacio Chapela, PhD - University of California, Berkeley -- His groundbreaking research uncovered the genetic contamination of maize in its center of origin (Oaxaca, Mexico), by genetically modified corn, at a time when genetically modified crops were illegal in Mexico. As a result of his work, Dr. Chapela became the target of a corporate public relations campaign that impugned his credibility and sparked an international controversy over the integrity of science in the face of overwhelming corporate influence. Subsequently, Dr. Chapela was denied an anticipated tenure, prompting an international outcry. Dr. Chapela filed suit against the university, and soon after the suit was filed the university announced a reversal of the tenure decision.

Frederick vom Saal, PhD - University of Missouri, Columbia - His research found that a range of synthetic compounds in common use today interfere with hormone signaling at extremely low levels of exposure, which had previously been considered irrelevant to health. Both he and his work have come under repeated attack by the chemical industry. However, Dr. vom Saal has continued to demonstrate great courage and tenacity in pursuing his research and publishing in this controversial area. He has been willing to engage publicly on these crucial scientific issues, despite repeated attacks on his integrity.

Shanna Swan, PhD - University of Rochester - Her pioneering epidemiological studies drew scientific and public attention to ways that chemical exposure can affect reproductive health. Her work has provoked attacks from anti-regulatory advocates and industry representatives because her data and analyses sharply challenge the adequacy of public health standards. Her studies of humans have been especially noteworthy because she has developed novel, rigorous approaches that explicitly address predictions emerging from toxicological studies of endocrine disruption in animals.

For more information on the 2005 Jenifer Altman Awards and this year's recipients, please visit www.jaf.org/report/JA awards 2005.html.