American Society of Hematology Establishes Wallace H. Coulter Lifetime Achievement Award

In early December, the American Society of Hematology (ASH), the world’s largest professional society of blood specialists, honored scientists who have made notable contributions to the genetic understanding of disease. Among the awards presented was the inaugural Wallace H. Coulter Award for Lifetime Achievement in Hematology, which honors Coulter’s lifelong work furthering the understanding of hematology.

Named for Wallace Henry Coulter, a prolific inventor who made important contributions to hematology and was a strong supporter of ASH, the award is bestowed on an individual who has demonstrated a lifetime commitment and outstanding contribution to hematology, and who has made a significant impact on education, research, and/or practice.

Dr. Ernest Beutler is the first recipient of the Wallace H. Coulter Award for Lifetime Achievement in Hematology, presented during the 49th ASH Annual Meeting, held in early December at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.

Wallace H. Coulter, co-founder, former chairman and president of the Coulter Corporation (which was acquired by Beckman Instruments in 1997) is best known as the discoverer of The Coulter Principle, the most widely used method for counting and sizing microscopic particles suspended in a fluid. His method has been called the first viable basis for flow cytometry, and from it grew an industry that forever changed the world of diagnostic medical research.

To date, Wallace Coulter is the only person to receive the American Society of Hematology Distinguished Service Award for his enormous contribution to the field of hematology.

To read more about Dr. Beutler and the Wallace H. Coulter Award for Lifetime Achievement in Hematology, www.hematology.org/client_files/meeting/2007/newsdaily/CoulterAward.pdf.