Symposium in Recognition of Professor David Wasserman’s Lifelong Commitment to Metabolism Research

On June 13, 2025, a symposium was held at Vanderbilt University to honor the outstanding contributions of the late David Wasserman, Annie Mary Lyle Professor and professor of molecular physiology and biophysics. The event featured several distinguished speakers, each reflecting Dr. Wasserman’s enduring legacy and impact on the scientific community in the field of metabolism research. The symposium was a celebration of Wasserman’s life and provided a wonderful opportunity to commemorate his work and connect with fellow researchers, scholars, and colleagues.

“We thank David for his significant contributions as a colleague, trusted advisor, and friend,” said John Lighton, Sable Systems Founder and President. “His efforts helped Sable revolutionize the field of metabolic and behavioral phenotyping. David’s tremendous leadership and devotion to his students and peers will be his legacy.”

Dr. Wasserman’s role as the founder and the director of the Vanderbilt Mouse Metabolic Phenotyping Center more than 20 years ago greatly influenced the entire field of diabetes and metabolism. Under Wasserman’s leadership, the MMPC fostered collaborative studies within Vanderbilt and across many institutions.

A fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, Wasserman led groundbreaking research studies on the role of physical exercise, insulin-stimulation and diet in metabolism. The research he oversaw contributed to a better understanding of fueling metabolism, and his findings are considered to have had important implications for treating diabetes and heart disease. His research, published in dozens of scientific journals over the years, is deeply respected by the scientific community.

Throughout his career, Wasserman was honored for his work with several prestigious awards. He received the Bowditch Award, the Solomon Berson Award of the American Physiological Society, an NIH MERIT Award, The C.R. Park Award for Excellence in Research and The John H. Exton Award for Research Leading to Innovative Biological Concepts. Wasserman’s collaborative spirit earned him the admiration of many colleagues across the country over the years. Roger Cone, the former chair of the Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics at Vanderbilt, worked with Wasserman for eight years and said Wasserman positively influenced countless students and peers.