Michel Lazdunski, CNRS gold medallist

This is one of the most wonderful distinctions a researcher can receive in France. Michel Lazdunski, director of the CNRS cellular and molecular pharmacology institute in Sophia Antipolis, teacher at UNSA (Nice Sophia Antipolis University) Medicine University received the CNRS gold medal for the year 2000. This distinction is given to a researcher only once a year, and formerly, it had honored scientists like Alfred Kastler, Pierre-Gilles de Gennes, Maurice Allais whose works received some time later a Nobel Prize.

The gold medal was given for all the research works Michel Lazdunski accomplished. International specialist in ionic canals, Michel Lazdunski and his team allowed to understand the antihypertensor or antidiabetic mechanisms. Researches were also dedicated to the perception of pain, to convulsive crises, heart arrhythmias…This is the first time a CNRS gold medal has rewarded a researcher from the young Nice Sophia Antipolis University.