history of society

After the unexpected death of Henry Kunkel in December of 1983, the idea was proposed for a Society to honor Henry's scientific life. Research based on observations of human disease, as a unique discipline at the forefront of ground braking biological discovery, was to be highlighted by the new Society. The intent was to use Henry's life as a role model for future generations of scientists interested in the biology of human disease.

The Society originally consisted of about 50 members, largely scientists who had trained in his laboratory at The Rockefeller University, but also friends and colleagues from across the world who had interacted with him during his lifetime. The Society was officially founded in 1990.

In the 1990s efforts were initiated to expand the society and by the year 2000 there were about 200-250 active members. New members were proposed annually by current members and their credentials reviewed by a membership committee. The membership still consisted of a) a shrinking number of original "Kunkelites" who had worked with Henry, b) a second generation of junior scientists trained by the Kunkelites, and c) a growing number of new members only indirectly familiar with Henry Kunkel.

In 2004 the long term goals and direction of the Society were reevaluated by advisory committees and at special meetings convened at Rockefeller University by the past President, Dr. Nick Chiorazzi. A major push to expand and modernize the society was initiated. The result is a vibrant society responsive to the needs of current day scientists as exemplified on this website.