A Nobel Prize-winning microbiologist and immunologist who discovered the first human oncogene, a gene that causes cancer, and made significant contributions to our understanding of cancer and the immune system.
J. Michael Bishop is a name synonymous with groundbreaking discoveries in the field of immunology and microbiology. He, along with Harold E. Varmus, was awarded the 1989 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their pioneering work on the identification of cellular genes that can cause cancer.
Born on February 22, 1936, in York, Pennsylvania, Bishop's journey to becoming a renowned scientist began with his undergraduate studies at Gettysburg College. He was an active member of the Theta Pi Zeta chapter of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity, where he nurtured his passion for learning. Later, he attended Harvard University Medical School, earning his MD in 1962.
Bishop's professional journey began at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, where he worked closely with some of the brightest minds in the field. A year-long stint at the Heinrich Pette Institute in Hamburg, Germany, further enriched his expertise. In 1968, he joined the faculty of the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), where he would go on to leave an indelible mark.
In 1998, Bishop became the eighth chancellor of UCSF, a position he held until 2009. During his tenure, he oversaw a period of significant growth and transformation, including the expansion of the Mission Bay development and the establishment of philanthropic support recruitment initiatives. His commitment to diversity and inclusivity led to the creation of a comprehensive strategic plan, which aimed to promote a supportive work environment and advance health worldwide.
As the director of the Bishop Lab, Bishop has been at the forefront of cancer research. His collaboration with Harold Varmus has been instrumental in identifying cellular genes that can cause cancer. Their groundbreaking discovery of the cellular gene c-src, which gives rise to the v-src oncogene of Rous Sarcoma Virus, has paved the way for a deeper understanding of cancer and its causes.
Bishop's contributions to the field of immunology and microbiology have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. In addition to the Nobel Prize, he has received the Albert Lasker Award, the National Medal of Science, and the Dickson Prize in Medicine, among others.
J. Michael Bishop's work has had a profound impact on our understanding of cancer and its causes. His commitment to advancing health worldwide and promoting diversity and inclusivity has inspired generations of scientists and researchers. As an active faculty member at UCSF, Bishop continues to contribute to the advancement of medical science, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire and motivate future generations.
85 Years Old
A Nobel Prize-winning biologist who made groundbreaking discoveries in cancer genetics, leading to a deeper understanding of the disease and its treatment. His work has saved countless lives and paved the way for future research.
Born in 1922
A Nobel Prize-winning biochemist who discovered epidermal growth factor, a protein essential for cell growth and development, and pioneered the field of growth factor research.
Born in 1909
A pioneering neuroscientist who discovered the growth factor NGF, revolutionizing our understanding of cell growth and development, and leading to major breakthroughs in cancer and neurodegenerative disease research.
Born in 1902
Pioneering geneticist who discovered transposons, mobile genetic elements that jump from one location to another in a genome, revolutionizing our understanding of genetic variation and evolution.
97 Years Old
Discovered the structure of DNA, revolutionizing our understanding of genetics and earning a Nobel Prize. Pioneering work in molecular biology has far-reaching implications for medicine and beyond.
Born in 1916
Pioneering scientist who discovered the structure of DNA, revolutionizing our understanding of genetics and life itself.
Born in 1920
A British scientist who contributed significantly to the discovery of the structure of DNA, providing high-quality X-ray crystallography images that helped James Watson and Francis Crick develop their famous model.
Born in 1916
A Nobel Prize-winning physicist and biologist who contributed significantly to the discovery of the structure of DNA, using X-ray crystallography to produce the first clear images of the molecule.
