We are incredibly proud to learn that Kent Thornburg, Ph.D., Senior Fellow with the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, has been recognized by the March of Dimes for his pioneering research and education with the Agnes Higgins Award.
Established in 1980 for the late Agnes Higgins in honor of her innovation that helped improved maternal nutrition, the award “is presented in recognition of distinguished achievement in research, education or clinical services in the field of maternal-fetal nutrition.”
Dr. Thonrbug has investigated the connection between adult onset diseases and stresses during pregnancy and development, such as malnutrition. Specifically, he has shown the “100-year effect,” which demonstrates that consequences related to premature birth or poor growth during development can be passed on through generations.
This work has helped to solidify “The Barker hypothesis,” which was originally proposed by Dr. Thornburg’s collaborator and friend David Barker, M.D., Ph.D., FRS. To read more about this wonderful news, please read the official press release here.
Congratulations Kent!!
