Thomas Steitz, Sterling Professor of molecular biophysics and biochemistry, will be awarded the 2013 Connecticut Medal of Science, an award given to scientists who have made significant scientific achievement crucial to the state’s social well-being and economy.

Steitz, the 2009 Nobel Prize laureate in chemistry, is known for his study of the structure and function of ribosome, the molecular block for biological protein synthesis. His research especially focuses on how proteins and nucleic acids achieve their biological functions. He has been a Yale faculty since 1970.

The Connecticut Medal of Science, first awarded in 1995, is given by the governor in alternate years with the Medal of Technology. The selection is conducted by the Office of Higher Education and the Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering. This year, the medal will be presented at the Annual Dinner of the Academy on May 22.

Profiles of the recipients are also featured permanently in the Hall of Fame at the Connecticut Science Center.