Steve Brown, director of the mammalian genetics unit at the Medical Research Council in London, said the three researchers have “given us the toolkit to understand how genes function” in mice and so, by extension, in humans. As a result, of their work, he said, “we’re on the cusp of having a much better understanding of the relationship between genes and disease.”

Evans said, “I haven’t come to terms with it yet. In many ways it is the boyhood aspiration of science, isn’t it? And here I am unexpectedly with it. It’s amazing.”

Smithies told The Associated Press getting award was “very gratifying.” After working on the research for more than 20 years, he said it’s “rather enjoyable being recognised at this level.” Smithies said he hopes winning the prize will make it easier to secure funding for other work.