A pioneer in the fields of cancer biology and genetics and a 2007 Nobel Laureate, Dr. Evans revolutionized science with his research on embryonic stem cells and transgenic mice. His discoveries greatly expanded areas of scientific research including stem cell biology, reverse genetics and gene targeting, and transgenic knockout mouse technology.
Dr. Evans was the first scientist to identify, isolate, characterize, and exploit embryonic stem cells for the study of cancer. He developed a novel technique whereby recombinant DNA could be introduced into embryonic stem cells isolated from developing mouse blastocysts. These modified blastocysts were then injected back into pseudo-pregnant, adult, female mice in order to produce genetically modified offspring. This technique has since transformed molecular biology and countless disease areas of research as, for the first time, it enabled investigators to study the biologic and physiologic effects produced on the silencing of a specific gene target in vivo.
Career Highlights
2009 Copley Medal, Royal Society, London
2009 Chancellor, Cardiff University
2008 D.Sc. (Med) (hon), University College, London
2007 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine
2005 D.Sc. (hon), University of Bath, United Kingdom
2004 Knights Bachelor (New Year Honours)
2001 Albert Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research
1999 Professor of Mammalian Genetics and Director of the School of Biosciences, Cardiff University
1999 March of Dimes Prize in Developmental Biology
1998 Founding Fellow, Academy of Medical Sciences
1993 Elected Fellow, Royal Society, London
1993 William Bate Hardy Prize
1993 Walter Cottman Fellowship Prize
1969 PhD, University College, London