How do you win the Nobel prize? Famous biochemist in Copenhagen

He won the 2001 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine together with Sir Paul Nurse and Leland Hartwell for their discoveries on cell cycle regulation. Using sea urchin eggs, he discovered protein molecules called cyclins and cycline-dependent kinases (CDKs) that are responsible for regulating cell cycle. Fluctuating levels of cyclins and their binding to CDKs modulate activity of other cell cycle proteins.

Now he will visit the University of Copenhagen (UCPH) to give a talk about his research findings and what it takes to win a Nobel Prize.

“I will explain how I came to make my great discovery, by a winding and completely unpredictable path that in the end even (I now realise) involved a sortie into molecular religion and a fascination with virgin birth,” Sir Tim Hunt reveals to the University Post.

Advice to young scientists

Although he acknowledges winning the prize took a little bit of luck, he stresses the importance of hard work.

“To young scientists, my advice is constant. Keep your feet on the ground, but your eyes on the horizon; and your nose to the grindstone,” says Hunt.

The event will take place 21 April at the Panum Institute at 16 o’ clock. It is organised by the Danish Royal Academy and requires registration. You can sign up here.

universitypost@adm.ku.dk

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