Thomas Cech

Thomas Robert Cech was born on December 8, 1947, in Chicago, Illinois. He grew up in Iowa City, Iowa. Cech was interested in science from an early age, which eventually led him to pursue studies in chemistry and biology. He attended Grinnell College in Iowa where he received his bachelor's degree in 1970, before going on to earn his Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1975.

In 1982, while working at the University of Colorado Boulder, Thomas Cech and his research group made a groundbreaking discovery. They found that RNA molecules are capable of catalyzing chemical reactions, a role previously thought to be exclusive to proteins. This discovery of catalytic RNA, or 'ribozymes', challenged existing beliefs in molecular biology and led to further understanding of molecular evolution and the origin of life.

In 1987, Thomas Cech became an Investigator for the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI). This prestigious position allowed him to continue his research on the structure and function of catalytic RNA molecules. HHMI Investigators are recognized as leading scientists in their fields and given the freedom and support to conduct high-impact research. Cech's work continued to expand the understanding of RNA's role in cellular processes and evolution.

On October 11, 1989, Thomas Cech was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, along with Sidney Altman, for their discovery of catalytic properties of RNA. This recognition confirmed the importance of their work in the field of chemistry and molecular biology. The Nobel Prize acknowledged that RNA is more than just a passive carrier of genetic information and can have catalytic roles, which was a significant paradigm shift in understanding genetic information processing.

In January 2000, Thomas Cech became the president of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), one of the largest private biological and medical research institutes in the United States. During his tenure as president, which lasted until 2009, Cech expanded HHMI's commitment to high-quality biomedical research and education. His leadership helped to enhance the institute's support of frontier science and its integration with education and innovation.

After serving as head of the prestigious Howard Hughes Medical Institute for nearly a decade, Thomas Cech returned to the University of Colorado Boulder on November 6, 2006, to focus on his research in biology and chemistry. His work continued to delve into the complexities of RNA and its diverse roles in cellular mechanisms, contributing to new insights and developments in the field of molecular biology. His return also involved teaching and mentoring the next generation of scientists.

In April 2009, Thomas Cech stepped down as the president of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, returning to a focus on his research and teaching at the University of Colorado Boulder. Under his presidency, HHMI saw significant developments in research and educational outreach efforts. Cech's departure meant a return to his passions for scientific exploration, particularly in RNA research, which he continued to pursue actively after his leadership role.

In July 2013, Thomas Cech took on the role of Director at the BioFrontiers Institute, an interdisciplinary research institute at the University of Colorado Boulder. The institute encourages collaboration among scientists in different fields to address complex scientific challenges. Under Cech's leadership, the BioFrontiers Institute has advanced research at the intersection of biology and technology, fostering innovative approaches to understanding biological systems.

On December 8, 2020, Thomas Cech celebrated his 73rd birthday. Over the decades, Cech's contributions to science, particularly in understanding RNA catalysis, have been monumental. Even as he progresses in age, Cech remains active in the scientific community, contributing to ongoing research and mentoring young scientists. His influence extends throughout the fields of chemistry and molecular biology, where his efforts continue to inspire future generations.

By May 20, 2021, Thomas Cech was actively engaged in research involving the enzyme telomerase, which plays a critical role in cellular aging and cancer. His studies focus on how this enzyme can be targeted and used in therapies that may prevent or treat age-related diseases and cancer. Cech's work on telomerase builds upon his earlier pioneering research on RNA and continues to push the boundaries of molecular biology to unlock new therapeutic potentials.