The Gairdner Foundation expresses its sadness on the death of George Palade on October 7, 2008, of Del Mar, California. Beginning in the 1940s he discovered the ribosome, the cell's protein-making factory, and helped explain the way proteins are transposrted out of the cell, as when a pancreatic cell scertes insulin, for example.

Dr. Palade received a Gairdner International Award in 1967.  Dr. Palade has been internationally recognized for his pioneering use of electron microscopy and "cell fractionation" to reveal and define the inner workings of the cell, and is best known for his work in establishing the pathway for synthesis and transport of proteins along the secretory pathway.

We extend our condolences to his family.

Dr. John Dirks
President and Scientific Director
The Gairdner Foundation
Toronto