Pioneering biochemist and crystallographer who determined the structure of myoglobin, a protein in muscle cells, and was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1962.
John Kendrew, a British biochemist and crystallographer, is renowned for his groundbreaking work on the structure of proteins, which earned him the 1962 Nobel Prize in Chemistry alongside Max Perutz. His pioneering research in crystallography has had a profound impact on our understanding of biological systems, paving the way for major advancements in medicine and scientific research.
Born on March 24, 1917, in Oxford, England, Kendrew was the son of Wilfrid George Kendrew, a climatologist, and Evelyn May Graham Sandburg, an art historian. He received his early education at the Dragon School in Oxford and later attended Clifton College in Bristol. In 1936, he won a Major Scholarship to Trinity College, Cambridge, where he graduated in chemistry in 1939.
During World War II, Kendrew's research focused on reaction kinetics, and he later worked on radar at the Air Ministry Research Establishment. He joined the Royal Air Force in 1940, becoming a squadron leader in 1941 and an honorary wing commander in 1944. After the war, he resumed his research, earning his Ph.D. in 1949.
Kendrew's fascination with biochemical problems led him to work on protein structures. In 1945, he joined Max Perutz at the Cavendish Laboratory in Cambridge, where he began a comparative protein crystallographic study of adult and fetal sheep hemoglobin. This research laid the foundation for his Nobel Prize-winning work.
In addition to the 1962 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, Kendrew received numerous honors, including:
John Kendrew's pioneering work in crystallography has had a profound impact on our understanding of biological systems. His research has led to significant advancements in fields such as medicine, biotechnology, and structural biology. As a testament to his contributions, the John Kendrew Laboratory at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) was established in his honor.
Kendrew's legacy extends beyond his scientific achievements, inspiring future generations of researchers to push the boundaries of human knowledge.
Born in 1916
Pioneering scientist who discovered the structure of DNA, revolutionizing our understanding of genetics and life itself.
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 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.
Born in 1901
Pioneering chemist and peace activist who won two unshared Nobel Prizes, one for chemistry and one for peace, for his groundbreaking work on the nature of the chemical bond and his tireless efforts to promote nuclear disarmament.
Born in 1915
A Nobel Prize-winning biologist and immunologist who made groundbreaking discoveries in tissue transplantation and immunology, leading to significant advancements in organ transplants and our understanding of the immune system.
Born in 1914
Pioneering crystallographer who unraveled the structure of hemoglobin, revolutionizing our understanding of biological molecules. His work paved the way for major advances in medicine and biochemistry.
Born in 1910
A pioneering scientist who deciphered the structures of biomolecules like insulin and vitamin B12, revolutionizing our understanding of biology and medicine.
