LSIPR 50 2016: Eric Lander and Maria Leptin
Name: Eric Lander
Organisation: The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard
Position: Founder and director
Eric Lander is closely associated with his work with the Human Genome Project, a hugely ambitious project to map out the DNA sequences that form the genetic basis for every human being. Arguably the most ambitious scientific project in the last three decades, the international approach to compiling the research shows that cooperation is the best method to tackling these universal issues.
In order to continue this research, Lander established the Broad Institute of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard. It landed him a place in Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in 2004, and in 2009 he was appointed co-chair of the Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, an organisation that works closely with US President Barack Obama.
The Broad Institute is at the centre of the most closely watched development in modern science: the rights to the CRISPR/Cas 9 technology.
"Lander established the Broad Institute of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard."
CRISPR/Cas9 comprises two parts: an RNA molecule that recognises and targets viruses and the protein element, which uses enzymes to cut through the DNA sequence. The technology has the potential to be used to correct defective genetic sequences in humans and has its basis in naturally occurring bacterial immune systems in humans.
What has unfortunately overshadowed this discovery is a battle over who discovered it first. In January, the US Patent and Trademark Office started an interference procedure to determine who should own the intellectual property rights to the discovery: Jennifer Doudna of the University of California or Feng Zhang of the Broad Institute.
Name: Maria Leptin
Organisation: European Molecular Biology Organization
Position: Director
For more than 50 years, the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) has worked on advancing the interests of life sciences companies. At its helm is Maria Leptin, a highly experienced biologist who has led the 1,700 member organisation since 2010.
One of her notable achievements was establishing a research group at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory, which is devoted to the study of complex cell shapes in the respiratory system of Drosophila and how RNA localisation determines cell shape.
"EMBO runs a young investigators programme, where it awards a grant to boost young researchers at an important stage in their career."
Leptin’s remit is to promote the life sciences and one of her focuses has been tapping into the potential of youth. EMBO runs a young investigators programme, where it awards a grant to boost young researchers at an important stage in their career.
EMBO also does important work recognising the contribution of women in the life sciences industry with the annual Women in Science Award. Recent winners include Fiona Watt and Caroline Dean.
(Image: Matej Kastelic / Shutterstock.com)
