Parallel Journeys: The birth and growth of molecular genetics and its influence on a career spanning three decades

Abstract

This journey has been possible because of the people who have walked with me or crossed my path at critical times during my development and I dedicate this lecture to them. Nature’s guide to mentors (June 2007) states: “Having a good mentor early in your career can mean the difference between success and failure in any field.” My exceptional mentors and role models will emerge as this talk progresses. My parallel journeys this evening will be described in three stages: Stage 1: The beginnings of molecular genetics and translational science – Eighties and Nineties; Stage 2: The challenge of complex questions – 21st Century Science; Stage 3. Building projects for the future.