Louise Chow, Ph.D.The Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF) awarded the 2026 Asian American Pioneer Medal to Louise Chow, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus in the UAB Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics. Presented during the annual forum on the Stanford University campus from Aug. 7–9, the Pioneer Medal honors scientists who have advanced groundbreaking research and inspired future generations of Asian Americans to pursue STEM endeavors.
The honor celebrates her monumental contributions to molecular biology, including Chow’s landmark 1977 discovery of split genes and RNA splicing using transmission electron microscopy to visualize the structures of adenovirus mRNAs paired to viral DNA. Her discovery of RNA splicing helped scientists understand how genes are processed and expressed in higher eukaryotes, fundamentally changing the paradigm for how genetic information is translated into proteins.
The presenters of the AASF Pioneer Medal and Trophy present Chow with her award."Everyone in the department is delighted that Dr. Louise Chow has been recognized with the Asian American Pioneer Medal,” said David Bedwell, Ph.D., chair of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics. “Dr. Chow deserves recognition for many discoveries throughout her career, but her most notable accomplishment is her seminal discovery of eukaryotic mRNA splicing. We are honored to have someone with Dr. Chow’s scientific prowess in our department."
The AASF Pioneer Medal Award is a highly prestigious honor reserved for researchers whose discoveries have reshaped global technology, medicine, and engineering. Chow was the only biologist honored among the five 2026 medalists. Backed by elite institutions such as Stanford University and attended by more than 2,000 participants, including Nobel laureates, national academic leaders, and industry pioneers, the medal validates extraordinary academic and scientific achievement and plays a vital role in documenting and honoring the historical impact of Asian American scholars on global progress.
Chow presenting at the ceremony.At the symposium on Aug. 8, Chow delivered a keynote address titled "Through the Looking Glass: Adventures in the Microscopy Wonderland," reflecting on her long career in visual and biochemical analyses of adenovirus and human papillomavirus (HPV) research.
Looking back, “science is a continuous journey of curiosity,” said Chow. "I was fortunate enough to be at the right place at the right time and with the necessary capabilities to have made the contributions."