Gene Robinson, director of the Neuroscience Program and affiliate professor of cell and developmental biology, and Martha Gillette, alumni professor of cell and developmental biology, have been awarded Center for Advanced Study Professorships.

Gillette and Robinson are both members of the NeuroTech group at the Institute.

The mission of CAS, according to its Web site, is to bring together “scholars from diverse disciplines and backgrounds, encouraging and rewarding excellence in all areas of academic inquiry.”

The CAS offers University of Illinois faculty a chance to take time off to pursue research or creative projects, and the opportunity to help shape campus research programs by advising campus leaders on topics.

Gene Robinson received his Ph.D. from Cornell University in 1986. He is a professor in the University of Illinois Department of Entomology and an affiliate member in the Beckman Institute NeuroTech group. He is director of the Neuroscience Program at Illinois and an affiliate of the Department of Cell & Developmental Biology; Department of Animal Biology (UIUC); Department of Political Science; Center for Economic Entomology, Illinois Natural History Survey; and the Biotechnology Center.