Alfred G. Gilman

Alfred Goodman Gilman was born on July 1, 1941, in New Haven, Connecticut, USA. He was the son of Alfred Gilman, a renowned pharmacologist and co-author of the important textbook 'Goodman & Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics'. His mother, Muriel, was a talented musician. This background laid the foundation for his future in the field of pharmacology.

In the early 1970s, Alfred G. Gilman, along with his team, discovered that cell signaling through hormones and neurotransmitters is mediated by a class of proteins that he termed 'G proteins'. This discovery revealed the mechanism by which cells respond to external stimuli and has significant implications for understanding diseases and developing new drugs.

Alfred G. Gilman joined the faculty of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in 1981 as a pharmacology professor. His tenure at the university was marked by significant contributions to science and medicine, particularly in the study of cell signaling and G proteins, an area in which he became a leading expert.

Alfred G. Gilman was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1994, along with Martin Rodbell. They received the prize for their discovery of G proteins and the role of these proteins in signal transduction in cells. This groundbreaking discovery provided crucial insights into how cells perceive and react to their environment.

In 2005, Alfred G. Gilman was appointed as the Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. In this role, he played a vital part in overseeing academic programs and fostering research initiatives, enhancing the university's reputation as a leader in medical education and research.

Alfred G. Gilman served as the chief scientific officer for the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) from 2009 until 2012. Under his leadership, CPRIT launched groundbreaking initiatives to promote cancer research and prevention, supporting innovative ideas and collaborations that have made significant strides in the fight against cancer.

Alfred G. Gilman resigned from his position at the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas in 2010 due to his concerns about conflicts of interest and the direction the institute was taking in its grant awards. His resignation sparked a broader discussion about transparency and governance in research funding organizations.

After a long and distinguished career, Alfred G. Gilman retired from his positions at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in 2011. During his career, Gilman was renowned for his research on G proteins and intracellular signaling, earning widespread respect and numerous accolades in the scientific community for his groundbreaking work.

Alfred G. Gilman passed away on December 23, 2015, at the age of 74, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. His passing marked the end of a remarkable life devoted to scientific discovery and innovation. Gilman's work left a lasting legacy on the fields of pharmacology and medicine, influencing innumerable facets of healthcare and research.

In December 2017, UT Southwestern held a memorial in honor of Alfred G. Gilman, celebrating his contributions to science and education. His colleagues and mentees paid tribute to his dedication, vision, and the profound impact he had on the scientific community, ensuring his legacy would inspire future generations of researchers and scholars.