Abstract
Iam delighted to have this opportunity to celebrate my colleague and longtime friend, Howard. I have known Howard for >4 decades, having met him at 1 of the first International Society of Interferon & Cytokine Research (ISICR) annual meetings in the United States. At the very outset, Howard revealed his collegial and collaborative approach to science, inviting discussion and sharing his passion for science and all things interferon.
Howard has participated on many committees associated with the ISICR/International Cytokine & Interferon Society (ICIS), and his contributions have been sustained and invaluable. Unquestionably, he is the archival memory of the ICIS, and has stewarded our society forward as a former president, a member of the executive council, and as a very active member. I am always impressed by his selfless approach, volunteering his time and expertise wherever and whenever appropriate: Awards Committee, Meetings Committee, Nomenclature Committee, Membership Committee, Standards Committee, and Publication Committee.
His service and contributions to our society and his leadership are immeasurable. Howard single handedly launched the ISICR/ICIS Newsletter, as the senior editor, that has transitioned to Signals, thereby providing the connectivity across the ICIS community. Howard is both anchor and keel for the ICIS ship.
Howard's scientific accomplishments are notable, as evidenced by his impressive publication record and the numerous national and international awards and honors he has received. He is internationally recognized for his research surrounding interferon gamma. His scholarly accomplishments are extensive and the seminal discoveries he has made have contributed immensely to our understanding of the roles of interferons in health and disease. He continues to be influential as a global leader in interferon biology.
What distinguishes Howard beyond his notable scientific accomplishments and service to our community are his attributes as mentor, colleague, and friend, which have had a profound impact on the lives of so many, mine included, that must be mentioned. Over the years, our friendship has grown. His warmth, humor, and outgoing attitude—his dependability—have meant a great deal to me and, I suspect, to many others. Howard has a distinctive capacity to engage others. Whether through his good humor, evident in Signals, or through his skill in listening—really listening—Howard has established a network of colleagues and former trainees who value his scientific leadership, his mentorship, and, importantly, his engagement.
Howard is a loyal friend and colleague, for which I am deeply grateful. He has unflaggingly supported my professional development. His trainees have benefited from him as educator and mentor, securing positions in academia and the private sector. I have observed firsthand how Howard has an unassuming and gently persuasive manner, which has allowed him to provide guidance and encouragement to trainees, to maximize their potential, to develop their skills, and to improve their scientific initiative. He encompasses the definition of a true mentor. For many, his generous and collaborative manner has enabled their career trajectory successes.
Each year I look forward to seeing Howard at the ICIS annual meeting, to talk science, to wander with him around the host city, see the sites, sample the chocolate offerings (!), and enjoy his company. Long may this, our shared scientific interests and our friendship, continue.