Sir Paul M. Nurse

Paul Nurse was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS) in 1991 in recognition of his pioneering work on the cell cycle regulation in eukaryotic cells. He contributed significantly to the understanding of how cells control their cycles of growth and division, making a groundbreaking impact in the field of molecular biology. His election as a Fellow highlighted the importance of his research in the scientific community.

In October 2001, Paul Nurse was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, shared with Leland H. Hartwell and Tim Hunt, for their discoveries of key regulators of the cell cycle. Their work on protein molecules such as cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases elucidated how the cell cycle is controlled, which is essential for understanding cancer development and potential treatments.

Paul Nurse was knighted in 2003 for his services to cancer research and cell biology. The honor recognized his impactful contributions to science, particularly his Nobel-winning work on cell cycle regulation that has provided insights into cancer research. The knighthood signified his standing as one of the leading scientists in his field globally.

In 2007, Paul Nurse became the Chief Executive of the UK Centre for Medical Research and Innovation (UKCMRI), now known as the Francis Crick Institute. The position marked a significant leadership role where he helped shape the future vision and strategy for one of the world’s leading biomedical research centers, fostering interdisciplinary research.

In December 2010, Paul Nurse was appointed President of the Royal Society, the UK's and Commonwealth's national academy of sciences. During his tenure, he focused on promoting science and its benefits, advising the government on scientific matters, and ensuring that excellence in science is recognized and supported internationally.

Paul Nurse played an instrumental role in the formation of the Francis Crick Institute, which was officially established in April 2012. As a visionary leader, he spearheaded the collaboration between six UK institutions to create a world-leading center for biomedical research, with an aim to understand fundamental biology and improve human health.

The Nurse Review of Research Councils, published in 2016, was authored by Paul Nurse to assess the UK research landscape. The review provided strategic recommendations to improve the effectiveness of research funding, promote innovation, and ensure UK research remains globally competitive. It was a pivotal document influencing UK’s science policy.

In June 2017, Paul Nurse received the Copley Medal from the Royal Society, which is its oldest and most prestigious award, historically recognizing outstanding achievements in scientific research. The award acknowledged his profound contributions to cell biology and his leadership in the scientific community, continuing a legacy of excellence.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Paul Nurse provided significant leadership at the Francis Crick Institute, facilitating COVID-19 testing and research into the virus. His proactive approach in utilizing the institute's resources to support national efforts against the pandemic showcased his ability to guide complex scientific operations under challenging scenarios.

In January 2023, Paul Nurse announced he would step down as director of the Francis Crick Institute later in the year, concluding a remarkable period of leadership. His tenure was marked by fostering innovative research and collaborations, advancing the Institute's mission to understand the fundamental biology underlying health and disease.