[5][6] This discovery has provided the quantitative basis for the most successful and widely used method of structure prediction, known as homology modelling.

“Humanization of these antibodies is the formation of hybrid molecules that are more human than rat, but that retain the therapeutic activity while reducing the patient’s immune response.” Lesk's work also involves the detailed comparison of proteins in different structural states as a means for understanding the mechanisms that enable the proteins to change conformation, both as part of their normal activity and in disease.

The discovery and analysis of these mechanisms was the key to understanding conformation changes in serine protease inhibitors, also known as serpins, mutations of which are an important cause of several diseases, including emphysema and certain types of inherited mental illness.

[1][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16] Prior to joining Penn State during the fall semester of 2003, Lesk was on the faculty of the clinical school at the University of Cambridge from 1990 to 2003.

[17] The award honors an outstanding protein scientist who has also made exceptional contributions in the areas of education and/or service to the field.

It is known to produce one of the best representations of the protein structures and employs the classification scheme for Ribbon Diagrams created by Jane Richardson.