Prof Elizabeth Blackburn has won a Nobel prize for her medical research.
Tassie researcher's Nobel coup
NEWS LIMITED NEWSPAPERS
October 06, 2009 07:07am
TASMANIAN scientist Elizabeth Blackburn has become Australia's first female Nobel laureate.
Professor Blackburn was named the winner of the Nobel Prize for Medicine yesterday in Sweden.
One of the world's leading medical researchers and cancer scientists, she shares the prize with Carol Greider and Jack Szostak.
They were honoured for the discovery of "how chromosomes are protected by telomeres and the enzyme telomerase", the Nobel jury said.
The professor of biology and physiology at the University of California San Francisco was born in Hobart and raised with her six siblings by her doctor parents in Launceston.
She studied at Broadland House School in Launceston before winning a scholarship to Janet Clarke Hall at the University of Melbourne in 1966 where she completed her Bachelor of science. Janet Clarke Hall described her as a balanced, fun and adventurous student who played the piano, enjoyed camping and was interested in people.
Prof Blackburn, 60, has been a Nobel contender for several years, winning a string of awards worth vast research funds.
She attracted controversy as well as support when she was dismissed by a George W. Bush advisory committee, widely believed to be because of her support for stem-cell research.
The Australian Government hailed the win.
"The Rudd Government is thrilled to hear that Dr Blackburn has been named Australia's first female Nobel laureate and our 11th Nobel Prize winner," acting Science Minister Craig Emerson said.
"Her achievement is an inspiration for all Australian scientists and those considering a career in science -- especially for young women."
Dr Blackburn is a molecular biologist whose research has furthered knowledge into cancer cells and ageing.
Her decades of work on telomeres, genetic material on chromosomes, includes discovery of the genetic enzyme telomerase.
Prof Blackburn has kept strong ties with Australia. The Australian Academy of Science said Australia's first female Nobel laureate was a reminder of the importance of science to the community.
President Kurt Lambeck said the prestigious prize recognised her outstanding contribution to molecular biology and medical science.
"It reminds us once again of the importance of science for the long-term benefit to the community as a whole," Prof Lambeck said.
Prof Blackburn lives in San Francisco with her husband, John Sedat, a professor of biochemistry and biophysics.
They have a son, Benjamin.
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