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.
It is with great sadness that we report that Dan Brown, who had been battling cancer for some time, died on Tuesday April 24, 2012, aged 89.
Dan was an outstanding nucleotide chemist who in 1951, with the future Nobel Laureate Alexander Todd, determined definitively the chemical linkage in DNA and RNA and who was one of the pioneers in the chemistry of nucleic acids. He was made a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1982.
David Komander, of LMB’s Protein and Nucleic Acid Chemistry division, is a recipient of the 2012 Lister Prize. This prestigious award is given annually by The Lister Institute to three young researchers in the UK, to support quality research in the biomedical or related biological sciences.
The research in David’s group focuses on a versatile modification of proteins termed ubiquitination, which regulates all aspects of life.
John Sutherland, from the LMB’s Protein & Nucleic Acid Chemistry Division, has won the Origin of Life Challenge. John shares this prize of $50,000 with his former colleague, the chemist Matthew Powner, from University College London. They also receive a $150,000 one-year grant to pursue their research in this field.
The Origin of Life Challenge was issued by Harry Londsdale, a retired California chemist and entrepreneur, in mid 2011.
Greg Winter, former Deputy Director of the LMB, has been jointly awarded the Spanish “Prince of Asturias Award for Technical and Scientific Research 2012.” Greg shares the prize with Dr Richard Lerner of the Scripps Research Institute for their contributions to the field of immunology and, in particular, their work on therapeutic antibodies.
In the 1970s César Milstein and Georges Köhler of the LMB discovered how to make rodent monoclonal antibodies.
On 28 May 1962, the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) was officially opened by Her Majesty The Queen.
The 22,000 sq ft (2,044 sq m) purpose built science laboratory was built next to, and opened at the same time as, the new Addenbrooke’s Hospital – so beginning the development of a major site for first-class medical research, teaching and health care.
Sarah Teichmann, from the LMB’s Structural Studies Division, has been named in the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) list of new members announced on 9 May 2012.
EMBO elects new members annually on the basis of scientific excellence and for outstanding research contributions. Sarah is one of 55 eminent life scientists selected for membership in 2012.
EMBO Membership is a life-long honour and Sarah joins a membership of 1,550 of the world’s foremost molecular biologists.