Biography
Michael Smith (April 26, 1932 – October 4, 2000) was a British-Canadian biochemist who changed molecular biology with his development of site-directed mutagenesis, earning him the 1993 Nobel Prize in Chemistry with Kary Mullis. Born in Blackpool, England, Smith went to Arnold School and then the University of Manchester, finishing his PhD in 1956. His work allowed scientists to make precise changes to DNA sequences, transforming genetic research and biotechnology.
After his PhD, Smith moved to Vancouver, Canada, for postdoctoral research with Har Gobind Khorana at the British Columbia Research Council. This partnership was significant since Khorana would later also win the Nobel Prize for his genetic code research. Smith then joined the Fisheries Research Board of Canada Laboratory in Vancouver, honing his biochemistry and molecular skills. In 1966, he became a professor of biochemistry at the University of British Columbia's Faculty of Medicine, marking the start of a long and distinguished academic career.
Smith's leadership went beyond laboratory research. He was the first director of the UBC Biotechnology Laboratory from 1987 to 1995 and set up the Protein Engineering Network of Centres of Excellence (PENCE), showing his dedication to enhancing biotechnology research in Canada. His managerial skills were acknowledged when he was named Peter Wall Distinguished Professor of Biotechnology in 1996. Smith's last major institutional contribution was as founding director of the Genome Sequencing Centre at the BC Cancer Research Centre, now named the Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre.
Throughout his career, Smith received many honors for his scientific work. Besides the Nobel Prize, he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society and received the Canada Gairdner International Award in 1986, the Flavelle Medal in 1992, and entered the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame in 1995. He was also given an honorary doctorate from Laval University in 1995 and was made a Companion of the Order of Canada. Smith died in Vancouver on October 4, 2000, leaving a scientific legacy that still impacts molecular biology and genetic engineering globally.
Before Fame
Smith grew up in Blackpool during the 1930s and 1940s, when Britain was going through big social and economic changes, including the effects of World War II. His education at Arnold School gave him a good grounding in sciences, which led him to further his studies at the University of Manchester in the 1950s. This was around the time when molecular biology was taking off, with Watson and Crick discovering DNA's double helix structure in 1953.
The 1950s were a great time for biochemistry and molecular biology, as scientists began to understand the molecular basis of life. Smith did his doctoral work during this exciting period when new ways of studying proteins and nucleic acids were quickly developing. His choice to continue his research in Canada fit well with the country's growing focus on scientific research and the creation of new research centers for biological sciences.
Key Achievements
- Developed site-directed mutagenesis technique that revolutionized genetic engineering and protein research
- Won the 1993 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for contributions to oligonucleotide-based, site-directed mutagenesis
- Founded and directed the UBC Biotechnology Laboratory, establishing it as a leading research center
- Established the Protein Engineering Network of Centres of Excellence, advancing Canadian biotechnology research
- Created the Genome Sequencing Centre at BC Cancer Research Centre, now bearing his name
Did You Know?
- 01.Smith's site-directed mutagenesis technique allows scientists to change a single amino acid in a protein while leaving the rest unchanged, earning it the nickname 'molecular surgery'
- 02.He shared his Nobel Prize with Kary Mullis, who invented PCR (polymerase chain reaction), making 1993 a landmark year for techniques that revolutionized molecular biology
- 03.The Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, named in his honor, became one of Canada's leading genomics research facilities and contributed to major international genome projects
- 04.Smith's mentor Har Gobind Khorana had won the Nobel Prize in 1968 for deciphering the genetic code, making their research lineage particularly distinguished
- 05.He was instrumental in establishing Canada as a major player in biotechnology research during the 1980s and 1990s through his leadership roles in national research networks
Awards & Honors
| Award | Year | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Nobel Prize in Chemistry | 1993 | for his fundamental contributions to the establishment of oligonucleotide-based, site-directed mutagenesis and its development for protein studies |
| Fellow of the Royal Society | — | — |
| Companion of the Order of Canada | — | — |
| Canada Gairdner International Award | 1986 | — |
| Flavelle Medal | 1992 | — |
| Canadian Medical Hall of Fame | 1995 | — |
| honorary doctorate at the Laval University | 1995 | — |