Fred Turek, PhD

Charles E. and Emma H. Morrison Professor of Biology, Department of Neurobiology, and 

Director, Center for Sleep and Circadian Biology, Northwestern University

Awarded in celebration of the life and work of pioneering scientist Dr. Fred W. Turek for his groundbreaking research in the fields of circadian rhythms and sleep, uncovering the role of melatonin, photoperiod, aging, sleep aids, and physical activity in control of the circadian system and reproduction; contribution to identifying the first core clock gene in mammals, revealing the impact of clock gene mutations and meal timing in obesity and metabolic syndrome, and contributing to our understanding of the molecular mechanisms regulating circadian rhythms and sleep; and founding of the Society for Research on Biological Rhythms, fostering global collaboration and innovation in chronobiology.

Dr. Turek’s notable areas of scientific contributions include:

  1. Uncovered the effects of melatonin and photoperiod on circadian and reproductive systems in birds, and seasonal and non-seasonal mammals.
  2. Established that benzodiazepines can shift the circadian rhythm in behavior and reproductive hormones, and are mediated by changes in locomotor activity.
  3. Demonstrated aging effects on circadian period, sleep, and phase shifting effects to various stimuli including light, benzodiazepines, and locomotor activity, and identified involvement of serotonin and melatonin signaling in these aging effects.
  4. Discovered with colleagues a circadian mutant mammal that led to the identification and cloning of the first mammalian core circadian clock gene, named Clock.
  5. Advanced understanding of the influence of the suprachiasmatic nucleus and clock genes on sleep architecture and recovery sleep, leading to novel insights on how sleep and circadian rhythms are linked at the genetic level.   
  6. Made the seminal discovery that mutation of the gene CLOCK results in obesity and metabolic syndrome, igniting an international boom in research on the link between circadian biology and metabolism.
  7. Unveiled the significant role of food timing in regulating metabolism and obesity, providing crucial insights into the link between chrononutrition and health.
  8. Founded the Society for Research on Biological Rhythms (SRBR) and served as its first President (1987 - 1992), establishing a key platform for chronobiology research and collaboration.
  9. Revealed that circadian desynchrony negatively affects lifespan in cardiomyopathic hamsters, demonstrating the serious health effects of circadian disruption.

Staunchly advocated on the national stage the importance of circadian rhythms in health and disease across physiological systems and mental health