Interview with Prof. Richard J. Roberts Nobel Laureate in Physiology/Medicine- 1993

Abstract

Sir Richard J. Roberts is a British molecular biologist and Nobel Laureate renowned for his pioneering discoveries in the field of genetics. Born in 1943 in Derby, England, he was awarded the 1993 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (shared with Phillip Allen Sharp) for the discovery of split
genes and RNA splicing in eukaryotes. This breakthrough fundamentally transformed our understanding of gene structure and expression, revealing that genes are not continuous stretches of DNA but contain non-coding sequences (introns) removed during mRNA processing. His work opened new frontiers in molecular biology, biotechnology, and medical research, including genetic therapies and precision medicine. Roberts has also been a strong advocate for open science and equitable access to vaccines and medicines. As Chief Scientific Officer at New England Biolabs, he has promoted ethical biotechnology practices. He is also widely known for championing evidence-based policy and defending genetically modified crops for global food security. Dr Meher Wan, Editor-Journal of Scientific Temper got an opportunity to interview him on his scientific journey and his ideas about different aspects of science.