MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology
One of the world's leading research institutes, our scientists are working to advance understanding of biological processes at the molecular level - providing the knowledge needed to solve key problems in human health.
This year as part of the annual MRC Festival of Medical Research, twenty-five scientists and support staff from across the MRC, including the LMB’s Claudia Bonfio, took part in ‘I’m a scientist, get me out of here!’. This online public engagement event involved participants talking to school students from across the UK, answering students’ questions about medical science, their research, wider interests and much more, and participating in live text-based chats.
The LMB has recently become home to 16,000 honey bees, representing two nucs (also known as nucleus colonies) which will form the basis of two new hives. The honey bee colony is the brainchild of the LMB’s Environmental Committee, a team of fourteen individuals who spearhead initiatives ranging from encouraging staff to use reusable coffee cups to providing advice about reducing energy consumption.
An audience of LMB staff and visitors from across Cambridge gathered in the LMB’s Max Perutz Lecture Theatre for the annual “What Next For Your Career In Science?” event. In its twelfth year of existence, the event, which is a collaboration between the LMB and the Cambridge Association for Women in Science and Engineering (AWiSE) aims to showcase the diverse range of careers available to those trained in science.
After two years holding the Suffrage Science scheme award, Lori Passmore has now passed her jewellery heirloom on to LMB alumnus, Rebecca Voorhees. Launched in 2011 by the MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, the Suffrage Science scheme celebrates women in science for their scientific achievement and for their ability to inspire others.
Five Cambridge science institutions including the LMB have won a bid to engage the local region with science as part of European Researchers’ Night, the largest public science event in Europe. LIFE LAB is one of four UK initiatives awarded funding from the European Commission. It will establish a programme of pop-up science events in shopping centres, cafes and music venues across Cambridgeshire on 28th September 2018 and again on 27th September 2019.
Richard Henderson, from the LMB’s Structural Studies Division, has been made a Companion of Honour in the Queen’s 2018 Birthday Honours list, for services to electron microscopy of biological molecules.
The Order of the Companions of Honour was founded in 1917 by King George V and is awarded for a major contribution to the arts, science, medicine, or government lasting over a long period of time. The Order consists of the Sovereign and a maximum of 65 members.