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Sir Richard J. Roberts, PhD

Sir Richard J. Roberts, PhD

New England Biolabs, Inc.
Ipswich, Massachusetts

Class of 2013

A 1993 Nobel Laureate, Dr. Roberts is best known for his co-discovery of split genes and mRNA splicing. He uncovered the complexities of mRNA structure and function, highlighting the inherent links between disease onset and complications in gene splicing and intron removal from interrupted genes. In addition to being one of the first researchers to utilize computational biology for genetic studies, Dr. Roberts is also known for his pioneering research involving the discovery, isolation, and characterization of hundreds of restriction enzymes. These enzymes have since become essential, irreplaceable, biological tools utilized daily in cancer research laboratories worldwide.

Dr. Roberts is the recipient of numerous awards and honorary degrees and since 1975 has been instrumental in guiding New England Biolabs. In this role, he is leading the development of computational bioinformatics strategies to assist with the growing need to analyze and interpret large data sets.

Career Highlights

2008 Knighted, Queen’s Birthday Honor List
2007 The Gabor Medal, Royal Society, London
2005 Chief Scientific Officer, New England Biolabs
1998 Medicus Magnus of the Polish Academy of Medicine
1997 Elected Fellow, American Academy of Arts and Sciences
1997 Fellow, American Academy of Microbiology
1996 Elected Foreign Fellow, National Academy of Sciences, Pakistan
1996 Wei Lun Visiting Professor, Chinese University, Hong Kong
1995 Elected Fellow, Royal Society, London
1995 Associate Member, EMBO
1994 Golden Plate Award, American Academy of Achievement
1994 Convocation Award, Sheffield University
1993 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine
1979 John Simon Guggenheim Fellow
1968 PhD, University of Sheffield