Two UO professors of biology were recently presented biomedical research awards from the Medical Research Foundation of Oregon.

Eric Selker received the Discovery Award, which recognizes Oregon investigators who make significant, original contributions to health-related research in the basic, clinical or behavioral sciences. Selker’s research interests include epigenetics, gene silencing and genome dynamics.

Cristopher Niell was presented the Richard T. Jones New Investigator Award, which recognizes junior researchers who show “exceptional promise early in a career of biomedical research.” Niell’s research focus is the function and development of neural circuits for visual processing.

“We congratulate professors Selker and Niell on receiving these distinguished awards from the Medical Research Foundation,” said David Conover, vice president for research and innovation. “The recognition is well-deserved and their commitment to research excellence inspires us all.”

The Medical Research Foundation supports promising biomedical research statewide through research grants and awards of merit. It is administered by the Oregon Health & Science University Foundation. More information about the awards is available on the foundation website.