Press release
May 19, 2009 Los Angeles, CA
David Agus, MD, Headlines with Celebrity Rock Stars as Geoffrey Beene Gives Back® and GQ Magazine Shine a Spotlight on Leading Scientists and the Promise of Medical Research
Nationally recognized researcher and physician with the University of Southern California and a founder of personal genomics company Navigenics, David Agus, MD, adds another distinction to his scientific career when he joins rock celebrities Sheryl Crow, Josh Groban, hip hop artist and X-Men Origins: Wolverine co-star Will-i-am, Aerosmith’s Joe Perry; and Seal for a designer menswear photo shoot as a “Rock Star of Science” in the June issue of GQ Magazine, available nationally on May 25. Dr. Agus and 10 other leading medical researchers nationwide turned in their lab coats to be GQ’d for the launch of “Rock Stars of Science” (ROCK S.O.S.), a new public service campaign sponsored by GEOFFREY BEENE GIVES BACK® and GQ Magazine that spotlights the need for greater funding for medical research and works to make science a more attractive career choice for tomorrow’s stars.
ROCK S.O.S. aims to bridge a serious recognition gap that, according to a recent Harris Interactive survey for Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry, makes Britney Spears more influential than Stephen Hawking among most Americans. In fact, an earlier survey commissioned by the national organization Research!America found that nearly three-fourths of those polled could not name a single living scientist.
“We have always known that science isn’t quite as sexy as rock and roll, but when we are so far outside the public conscience, then funding for medical research is in danger and it’s time to spruce up our image,” said Dr. Agus, Director of the USC Center for Applied Molecular Medicine and the USC Westside Prostate Cancer Center.
In the lab, Dr. Agus researches the biology of cancer and ways to develop new cancer treatments. Using advances in proteomics, genomics and nanotechnology, he has learned valuable information about tumors’ “on” and “off” switches. His work is helping to bring about a more complete understanding of what causes cancer to develop, progress and respond to treatment.
In 2007, Dr. Agus co-founded the personal genomics company Navigenics, which provides individuals with their genetic predisposition for health conditions, along with the tools and support to empower them to take steps to prevent the onset of disease, achieve earlier diagnosis, appropriately manage disease, or otherwise lessen its impact. Because of his work to create services such as Navigenics, Dr. Agus is credited for bringing new science and technologies out of the lab, making them more broadly available to the general public at large.
“The reality is that the most important medical breakthroughs are impossible without broad support, and support needs mainstream recognition,” said Dr. Agus. “That’s why Rock SOS is so important.”
In addition to showcasing Dr. Agus’ work, ROCK S.O.S. will also focus on other scientists and their breakthrough research on diseases including HIV-AIDS, heart disease, Alzheimer’s and advances in genetics and personalized medicine. The campaign will also be supported by a website www.rockstarsofscience.org, to be launched on June 1, 2009. The site will profile the scientists, their teams and research institutions. Readers will also have the opportunity to sign a declaration calling for more funding for science research, nominate their own Rock Stars of Science, and qualify for limited edition campaign giveaways.
ROCK S.O.S. is made possible by the designer menswear brand, GEOFFREY BEENE with a unique business model of corporate giving. One hundred percent of net profits from GEOFFREY BEENE, LLC fund philanthropic causes. Today, the GEOFFREY BEENE Foundation and the GEOFFREY BEENE Brand have supported over $145 million in charitable commitments to a variety of medical causes including the lead recipient, the GEOFFREY BEENE Cancer Research Center at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Additional charitable support goes to its Alzheimer’s Initiative, the GoRed For Women campaign, signature CFDA and YMA Fashion Scholarships, Veterans’ support, protection of animals, and the welfare of women and children, in partnership with Macy’s through the Family Violence Prevention Fund. For more information, contact: www.geoffreybeene.com
GQ Magazine is the leading men’s general-interest magazine with a monthly readership of 6.1 million readers. The magazine is published by Condé Nast Publications. For more information, contact: www.gqconnects.com