Venkatraman Ramakrishnan - The Progress Catalyst

A structural biologist's journey

Venkatraman "Venki" Ramakrishnan is a British-American structural biologist whose pioneering work on the atomic structure of the ribosome has been a catalyst for scientific progress in molecular biology. His breakthrough research not only deepened our understanding of how genetic information is translated into proteins but also opened new avenues in antibiotic development. This transformative contribution earned him the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2009, shared with Thomas A. Steitz and Ada E. Yonath, recognising their collective work on the structure and function of the ribosome.

Venkatraman Ramakrishnan

Nationality: Indian

Date of Birth: 5 April 1952

Hometown: Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu

Parents: Prof. C. V. Ramakrishnan, Prof. Rajalakshmi Ramakrishnan

Spouse: Vera Rosenberry

Education:

• B.Sc. in Physics, Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, India

• Ph.D. in Physics, Ohio University, USA

• Postdoctoral studies in Biology, University of California, San Diego, USA

Employment History: 

• Group Leader, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK (1999–present)

• President, Royal Society, UK (2015–2020)

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Impact Maker Venkatraman Ramakrishnan

Venkatraman Ramakrishnan's elucidation of the ribosome's atomic structure has been instrumental in understanding how genetic information is translated into proteins, a fundamental process in biology. His work has provided insights into the mechanism of action of antibiotics, aiding in the development of new therapeutic strategies . As a group leader at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge since 1999, he has mentored numerous scientists, fostering progress in molecular biology.

Change Maker Venkatraman Ramakrishnan

Transitioning from physics to biology, Venkatraman Ramakrishnan exemplifies interdisciplinary innovation. After earning a Ph.D. in physics from Ohio University in 1976, he pursued postdoctoral studies in biology at the University of California, San Diego. His career trajectory underscores the importance of cross-disciplinary approaches in scientific discovery. As President of the Royal Society from 2015 to 2020, he advocated for science education and policy, influencing the scientific landscape in the UK and beyond.

Progress Catalyst Venkatraman Ramakrishnan

Venkatraman Ramakrishnan's research has been a catalyst for advancements in structural biology. His application of X-ray crystallography to determine the ribosome's structure has paved the way for subsequent studies on complex biological macromolecules. His recent work explores the science of ageing, contributing to the understanding of longevity and age-related diseases.

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Achievements

• Nobel Prize in Chemistry (2009)

• Knighted by the UK in 2012

• Member of the US National Academy of Sciences

• Foreign Member of the Indian National Science Academy

• Fellow of the Royal Society

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Media References

1. NobelPrize.org – Venkatraman Ramakrishnan biographical

2. NobelPrize.org – Venkatraman Ramakrishnan facts

3. Wikipedia – Venki Ramakrishnan, profile

4. Britannica – Venki Ramakrishnan biography

5. Royal Society – Dr Venki Ramakrishnan OM FRS

6. University of Utah – My Adventures in the Ribosome

7. University of Chicago – Why We Die: Venki Ramakrishnan

   
   

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