An ongoing lecture series within the UAB Department of Microbiology celebrating nearly 40 years since its establishment has brought a wealth of knowledge to the UAB research community among its distinguished lecturers.
The Bertram M. Marx Lectureship was established in 1985 by Edgar and Margot Marx in memory of Edgar’s father, Bertram M. Marx, in an effort to support cancer research at UAB. The Marxes did so by connecting with Gail Cassell, Ph.D., UAB Microbiology graduate and chair of the UAB Department of Microbiology for 10 years, during which it ranked first in the nation for NIH research funding.
Prior to their establishment of the Marx lectureship, Edgar and Margot began an endowment to support the Bertram M. Marx Graduate Student Research Grants Program, which has been active since 1982. Thanks to the program, two students interested in cancer research are selected each year by the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB to receive these awards.
Marion and Edgar Marx Jr. and Stephanie and Katharine Marx now continue the legacy of the lectureship, which invites notable scientists from throughout the world to UAB annually.
“It’s been really fascinating to meet some of the scientists who have come to speak here over the years,” said Edgar Marx Jr.
The Bertram M. Marx Lectureship has brought an impressive roster of scientists to speak at UAB, including Nobel Laureates J. Michael Bishop, M.D. (1985), Max Ferdinand Perutz, Ph.D. (1990), Susumu Tonegawa, Ph.D. (1991), Tasuku Honjo, Ph.D. (1993), and Peter Doherty, Ph.D., (2003), as well as several members of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences.
“The generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Marx makes possible one of the most important lecture series held at UAB,” said J. Victor Garcia-Martinez, Ph.D., CPC, chair of the UAB Department of Microbiology. “The incredible list of past speakers is a living testament to the memory of Mr. Bertram M. Marx, and the Department of Microbiology is grateful for their support.”
The 36th Bertram M. Marx Lectureship will take place Monday, March 11, 2024, at 3 p.m. and will feature Max Cooper, M.D., from Emory University. Cooper, a distinguished immunologist and 40-year career veteran of UAB, is known for his research characterizing T and B cells and having made unprecedented contributions to the field of immunology. The event will take place in-person in the Cudworth Building, Room 102. A reception will follow in the Bevill Biomedical Research Building lobby.