It is with great pride that I extend my congratulations to Dr. Hartwell whose dedication and hard work in the area of genetic research has not only enabled many lives to be saved, but has provided the groundwork for many others to go on and make countless advances of their own. 

Though I don't pretend to be an expert on cell division in eukaryotic (nucleated) organisms, I am well aware that Dr. Hartwell's dedication and innovative study, beginning over 25 years ago, has made an enormous difference in our understanding of how cells divide and the vast medical advances we can derive from such knowledge. Dr. Hartwell's research was the first to harness the tools of genetics to study how cells function, thus determining which genes cause cells to divide--without his efforts, this critical information could very well remain a mystery. 

His hard work and persistence is to be commended, and I am pleased that the Nobel Assembly in Sweden has selected Dr. Hartwell for this honor, which is so richly deserved. 

Congratulations, Dr. Hartwell, and thank you for your dedication and contribution not only to the biotechnology and health fields, but ultimately to people both here and throughout the world who will so greatly benefit from your discoveries.