Biomolecular chemistry professor Anjon Audhya was named a Vilas Research Professor. Created for the advancement of learning and supported by the estate of professor, U.S. senator and UW Regent William F. Vilas (1840-1908), Vilas Research Professorships are granted to UW–Madison faculty with proven research ability and unusual qualifications and promise. The recipients of the award have contributed significantly to the research mission of the university and are recognized both nationally and internationally among the leaders in their field.
Audhya, who is inaugural vice dean for research in the School of Medicine and Public Health, focuses his research on how cells use membranes to organize their parts and move large molecules like proteins, fats and vitamins. His lab uses a variety of experimental systems to reproduce and study the steps in membrane transport, while also working beyond the basic biology to understand how problems with these processes can lead to diseases including neurodegeneration, cancer and diabetes.
Audhya also serves as director of UW–Madison’s Center for Training in Pharmacology and Drug Development and co-leads the university’s NIH-funded graduate traiing program in molecular and cellular pharmacology. He is a fellow of the American Society for Cell Biology and the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
Vilas Research Professorships provide a salary supplement, funding for research expenses, and a retirement supplement for faculty who serve at least 15 years as a Vilas Research Professor.