Prof. Ferid Murad: In memoriam

On September 4, 2023, Ferid Murad passed away.

Professor Murad, a distinguished biochemist, is renowned for his groundbreaking research in 1977 on nitric oxide and its role in cardiovascular health. His discoveries, alongside Robert F. Furchgott and Louis J. Ignarro, led to the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1998. The Nobel Committee recognized the significance of identifying nitric oxide's biological role despite its previous association as a harmful air pollutant.

Beyond his groundbreaking discoveries, Professor Murad's work paved the way for the development of cardiovascular drugs and even revolutionized treatments for conditions like erectile dysfunction through the creation of Viagra.

Professor Murad's academic journey traversed esteemed institutions, from DePauw University to Stanford University, where he held leadership roles and spearheaded groundbreaking research initiatives. His tenure in academia was complemented by impactful stints in industry, including positions at Abbott Laboratories and Molecular Geriatrics Corporation.

Throughout his illustrious career, Professor Murad remained committed to advancing scientific knowledge and promoting peace and education worldwide. His accolades, including the Albert Lasker Basic Medical Research Award, underscore his invaluable contributions to biochemistry.

Reflecting on Professor Ferid Murad's legacy, we honor his dedication to scientific excellence and his enduring impact on medical research. His work inspires future generations of scientists and underscores the transformative power of discovery.

We honor the extraordinary contributions of Professor Ferid Murad, whose groundbreaking research has left an indelible mark on both FLOGEN and the broader scientific community. In 2022, FLOGEN had the privilege of dedicating its prestigious In Honor of Nobel Laureate in Medicine award to Prof. Murad, recognizing him as a symbol of unified science. Additionally, Prof. Murad was honored with the Shechtman International Leadership Award at FLOGEN SIPS 2019, a prestigious accolade reserved for the most esteemed scientists who have graced our conferences, presented by Dr. Florian Kongoli and Prof. Dan Shechtman. ( https://www.flogen.org/?p=19&bio=Murad)

May his legacy inspire and guide us in pursuing scientific excellence and innovation.

Dr. Florian Kongoli
FLOGEN Chairman

The video of her award ceremony is given here:

Prof. Ferid Murad, Receiving the Shechtman International Leadership Award from Dr. Florian Kongoli and Prof. Dan Shechtman at FLOGEN SIPS 2019

Prof. Ferid Murad, Delivering his acceptance speech after receiving the Shechtman International Leadership Award from Dr. Florian Kongoli and Prof. Dan Shechtman at FLOGEN SIPS 2019

Prof. Dan Shechtman, 2011 Nobel Laureate, Giving a speech to Prof. Ferid Murad and Dr. Florian Kongoli after delivering the Award bearing his name at FLOGEN SIPS 2019

Prof. Ferid Murad, Dr. Florian Kongoli and Prof. Dan Shechtman, During the FLOGEN SIPS 2019 ceremony

The video Award Ceremony of Prof. Ferid Murad at SIPS 2019. Dr Florian Kongoli presides upon the official ceremony

Dr. Florian Kongoli in conversation with Prof. Ferid Murad, 1998 Medicine Nobel Laureate and recipient of the FLOGEN SIPS 2019 Shechtman International Leadership Award

MESSAGE OF CONDOLENCES

What better photo could one show than Ferid amongst all his peers, who so much benefited from his ground-breaking research ? Here at the 2007 cGMP meeting, soon after which we started the biannual Ferid Murad lecture. Personally, Ferid introduced me to the highest level of biomedical research, taught me how to write papers, and challenged me to use the best possible science to address the most relevant question, but still left a lot of freedom in where to go. I loved the weekly lab rounds, « What’s new…? » And then getting grilled because one had forgotten a vital control experiment but was also stimulated to go further. Ferid was one of my heroes. Thank you for everything.

Harald Schmidt

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I knew Fred through our mutual research interest in nitric oxide, the molecule for which he shared the Nobel prize. Over the decades we got to know each other pretty well, and I have many fond memories of enjoying time with Fred and his wife Carol while attending meetings in exotic places around the world. Fred was always very generous and kind to me and other « young Turks » in the nitric oxide field. At meetings he was always at the sessions and loved giving advice, you could count on his asking for the mic after almost every presentation. It was a great example. We also had a common past, having both lived in Cleveland (Fred’s MD-PhD site), and a working class background, which made me feel a special bond with Fred that was taken at a NATO science meeting he organized in Erice, Italy. Fred was one of a kind, we will miss him dearly.

Dennis Stuehr

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I have his picture in my office as he was always an inspiration to continue my research. He invited me to present my work at a conference in Brazil; we saw iguazù falls and there he showed me that not only was he a genius but he had a sensitive human side. He will always be one of my heros.

Rick Greenberg MD

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I had the chance to work in one of his labs at UT. He was unforgettable, a true leader and an excellent mentor! RIP Ferid

Claudia Ferreira

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My condolences.

Mr Jr.

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God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

JF

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R.I.P. Ferid

Elizabeth Bell

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I offer my sincere condolences to the family of Ferid Mia’s. May our Lord give you comfort and peace as you mourn his loss.

Chris