January 14, 2004

Dear Yuichi:

Congratulations to you on the occasion of your being named a recipient of the Distinguished Pharmaceutical Scientist Award. This is the highest honor bestowed by the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists on only the best of the best pharmaceutical scientist in the world. You are an inspiration for all of us, and certainly myself.
On a personal note, I wonder whether you are a living example that the First and Second Laws of Thermodynamics can be violated. A mutant, shall I say? You seem to have boundless energy ‐ the life of any gathering ‐ a conference or a party.
Your fondness for electronic gadgets is always a mystery to me. Why would you need cameras (not one, but numerous) when you have photographic memory? Is it true that you invented digital memory?
The scientific world is fortunate to have you as one of its finest leaders. You have the foresight to recognize English, molecular biology, computation, and humanity as the catalyst cocktail to propel pharmaceutical research to the world stage. You are at least one step ahead of most because you have the instinct and skill to integrate. Once again, my hearty congratulations! Best wishes for continuing success!

Best regards,

Vincent H.L Lee
University of Southern California