After fifty years of active laboratory research, Dr. Alvin Taurog retired from his position as Professor of Pharmacology at UT Southwestern where thirty six of those fifty years were spent. To honor Dr. Taurog’s many scientific contributions to the field of endocrinology and his loyalty and dedication to UT Southwestern and the Department of Pharmacology, the Alvin Taurog Annual Lectureship was established in 1996.

Dr. Taurog’s entire career was devoted to endocrine research, particularly involving the biosynthesis of thyroid hormone. From early work elucidating the pituitary-thyroid axis, to basic studies of iodine metabolism, to later work purifying and characterizing the critical enzyme thyroid peroxidase and the mechanism of action of antithyroid drugs, his research contributions were exemplary for their integrity and durability. His career epitomized the pursuit of valuable scientific knowledge for its own sake

Dr. Taurog was appointed Professor Emeritus on his retirement and remained an active and valuable member of the department until his death in March of 2006.

The brochure for the 2008 lecture by Cynthia Kenyon can be found here (2008 Taurog Brochure).

Past  Lecturers