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.
On 23 May, the new LMB building in Cambridge was officially opened by Her Majesty The Queen. Accompanied by His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, they arrived on the guided bus and were greeted outside by local primary school children before being welcomed inside by staff and invited guests.
As the Royal party entered the spacious central atrium they got their first glimpse of the interior of the magnificent building, which was completed to budget and only a few weeks behind schedule.
KJ Patel, group leader in the LMB’s Protein and Nucleic Acid Chemistry Division, has been elected into the Fellowship of the UK Academy of Medical Sciences.
The Academy promotes the translation of advances in medical science into benefits for patients and the population at large. Academy Fellows are elected based on excellence in medical research, for innovative application of scientific knowledge or for their service to healthcare.
Dr Michael Neuberger, group leader in the LMB’s Protein and Nucleic Acid Chemistry, has been elected as a Foreign Associate of the US National Academy of Sciences.
The National Academy of Sciences was created to provide independent, objective advice to the nation on matters related to science and technology. Scientists are elected by their peers as members and foreign associates in recognition of their distinguished and outstanding contributions to research.
On the 25th April 1953, Francis Crick and Jim Watson published their groundbreaking paper in Nature, in which they revealed to the world the double helical structure of DNA.
Francis and Jim were working in the MRC Unit for the Study of the Molecular Structure of Biological Systems (now the LMB), housed in the Cavendish Laboratory at Cambridge University.
This year’s Max Perutz lecture on “Five ways for viruses to enter the animal cell” will be given by Ari Helenius. The lecture takes place on 30 April at 2.30pm in the Max Perutz Lecture Theatre at the LMB and is open to all interested in attending.
The world premiere of a piece of music inspired by human genetic variation will be the centrepiece of the 3rd biennial Royal Greenwich String Quartet Festival on Saturday 13 April. Produced by award-winning composer Deirdre Gribbin, during her period as Leverhulme Artist in Residence at the LMB, it is also the subject of discussion on Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour on 11 April, 10am, and a BBC World Service interview.