Dr Venki Ramakrishnan, group leader in LMB’s Structural Studies Division, has been elected as an Honorary Fellow 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: honorary fellowship of the Academy is given in recognition of the highest levels of achievement in medical science.
Venki’s research focuses on the structure and function of the ribosome. This complex structure, found in multiple copies in every living cell, translates the DNA code into life, producing tens of thousands of different proteins that in turn control the chemistry in all living organisms. This research shed light on the role of the ribosome in the decoding of mRNA and on antibiotic function. This information is critical in developing new antibiotics to combat infection and disease. Venki shared the 2009 Nobel Prize for Chemistry for his role in determining the atomic structure of the ribosome.
Venki will be presented with his Honorary Fellowship at the Academy’s Annual Meeting on 24 November 2011 in London.
Further references:
http://www.acmedsci.ac.uk/
Venki Ramakrishnan’s Group Leader Page
Read more about Venki’s research