Aaron Klug

Aaron Klug was born on August 11, 1926, in Želva, Lithuania, then part of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR). He was a Lithuanian-born British biophysicist and chemist who would go on to make significant contributions to the field of molecular biology. His family moved to South Africa when he was a young child. Growing up in South Africa, Klug developed an interest in science which eventually led him to a distinguished career.

Aaron Klug attended the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree with a major in physics, followed by a Master of Science degree. His education at the University of the Witwatersrand laid the foundation for his future scientific pursuits, giving him a strong grounding in physics that he would later apply to his research in the emerging field of molecular biology and biophysics.

Aaron Klug completed his doctoral studies at the University of Cambridge, where he was awarded a PhD in molecular biology. His research was conducted under the supervision of Lawrence Bragg in the Cavendish Laboratory. This academic accomplishment marked the beginning of Klug's career as a molecular biologist, during which he would make several groundbreaking discoveries in the analysis and understanding of complex biological molecules.

In 1962, Aaron Klug joined the Medical Research Council (MRC) Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge. The MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology was a leading center for research in molecular biology, and Klug's work there focused on the study of structural techniques such as electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. At the MRC, Klug collaborated with other prominent scientists, contributing to significant advancements in the understanding of biological structures.

In 1974, Aaron Klug and his colleagues made significant progress in elucidating the structure of chromatin, the complex of DNA and proteins found in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells. Klug utilized his expertise in X-ray crystallography and electron microscopy to help visualize how DNA is packaged within the chromatin, thereby contributing crucial insights into genetic regulation and expression. This work helped pave the way for further research into the organization and function of genetic material.

By 1979, Aaron Klug had developed a novel method of three-dimensional image reconstruction, which significantly advanced the field of electron microscopy. This technique allowed for the detailed visualization of complex biological structures, including viruses and detailed macromolecular assemblies. Klug's innovative work in this area provided scientists with powerful tools to understand the architecture of biological molecules and was pivotal in the development of structural molecular biology.

On October 6, 1982, Aaron Klug was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his development of crystallographic electron microscopy and his structural elucidation of biologically important nucleic acid-protein complexes. Klug's research had provided scientists with a profound understanding of the molecular basis of life, earning him one of the highest honors in science. His work enabled further studies into the intricate details of molecular structures crucial for genetic material processing.

In 1986, Aaron Klug was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his contributions to science. As a knight, Klug became a part of a longstanding tradition in which individuals are honored for their service to the nation, particularly in the realms of science, the arts, and industry. Klug's knighthood recognized not only his Nobel Prize-winning achievements but also his long-term impact on the scientific community and his role as a leading figure in molecular biology.

In 1995, Aaron Klug was appointed as the President of the Royal Society, a fellowship of many of the world's most eminent scientists and the oldest scientific academy in continuous existence. During his tenure as president, Klug worked to advance the global standing and influence of science in policy and society, while maintaining the Royal Society's role as a defender of scientific excellence and integrity.

Aaron Klug passed away on November 20, 2018, at the age of 92. He left behind a legacy as one of the pioneers of structural molecular biology, having developed techniques that became the foundation of modern electron microscopy. Throughout his career, Klug dedicated himself to scientific research, education, and public service, impacting generations of scientists and contributing substantially to our understanding of molecular structures.