Written by: David Williams

Edward B. Lewis is renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to the field of genetics, specifically in the area of evolutionary developmental biology. He is best known for his pioneering work on the genetic control of development, which earned him the prestigious Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1995.

Born on May 20, 1918, in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, Lewis was the second son of Laura Mary Lewis (née Histed) and Edward Butts Lewis, a watchmaker-jeweler. He graduated from E. L. Meyers High School and went on to pursue his higher education at the University of Minnesota, where he earned a BA in Biostatistics in 1939. During his time at the university, Lewis worked on Drosophila melanogaster in the lab of C.P. Oliver, which sparked his interest in genetics.

Lewis's academic pursuits continued at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), where he earned his PhD in 1942 under the guidance of Alfred Sturtevant. His research focused on the genetic control of development, a subject that would become the hallmark of his career. After completing his PhD, Lewis enrolled in the U.S. Army Air Corps training program in meteorology and later received his master's degree in the area. During his military service, he worked as a weather forecaster in Hawaii and Okinawa for four years.

After the war, Lewis returned to Caltech in 1946 and took up a position as an instructor. He was promoted to professor in 1956 and later became the Thomas Hunt Morgan Professor of Biology in 1966. His research continued to focus on the genetic control of development, and he made several significant discoveries that shed light on the mechanisms of gene regulation.

In 1946, Lewis met Pamela Harrah, an accomplished artist and genetics enthusiast. They married and had three sons, Glenn, Hugh, and Keith. Pamela Harrah Lewis was not only a supportive partner but also a talented scientist in her own right, having discovered the mutant Polycomb, which is crucial in understanding gene regulation.

Edward B. Lewis's contributions to genetics and evolutionary developmental biology have had a profound impact on our understanding of life sciences. His work has paved the way for further research in the field, and his discoveries continue to inspire scientists and researchers today. Lewis's legacy extends beyond the scientific community, as his work has far-reaching implications for our understanding of human development and disease.

• Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (1995)
• Thomas Hunt Morgan Professor of Biology (1966)

• "The most important thing in science is to ask the right question."
• "Genetics is not just about understanding how things work, but also about understanding how they evolve."

Edward B. Lewis's work has been instrumental in shaping our understanding of evolutionary developmental biology. His research has contributed to a deeper understanding of the genetic control of development, and his discoveries have paved the way for further research in the field. Lewis's legacy continues to inspire scientists and researchers, ensuring that his work will have a lasting impact on the life sciences.