About Oliver Smithies | Oliver Smithies Nobel Symposium

Oliver Smithies, DPhil

2007 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine

Prize motivation: “for their discoveries of principles for introducing specific gene modifications in mice by the use of embryonic stem cells”

Dr. Oliver Smithies (1925-2017) was a British-American geneticist and professor of pathology and laboratory medicine at UNC. His pioneering gene editing work in the 90s created “knockout mice” used for disease research. His technique involved collecting early stage cells called embryonic stem cells from mice, editing specific genes via a process called homologous recombination, and re-injecting the modified cells into surrogate mouse embryos. In 2007, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine along with Dr. Mario Capecchi and Dr. Martin Evans “for their discoveries on specific gene modification principles in mice”. A lifelong innovator and master of his craft, he believed deeply in the value of “a happy life at the bench,” viewing joy in experimentation as the wellspring of creativity and scientific breakthrough.

As an undergraduate at Oxford University, Dr. Smithies was inspired by lectures from Dr. Linus Pauling, an experience that helped shape a lifetime of scientific discovery. He later honored that inspiration by donating part of his Nobel Prize to UNC to support and inspire junior scientists. In recognition of Dr. Smithies’ generosity and enduring legacy, UNC hosts an annual symposium in his name, where distinguished Nobel Laureates share the experiences, motivations, and pivotal moments that shaped their success.

UNC Article: A life at the bench

In Memoriam: Oliver Smithies, DPhil 1925-2017

To honor Dr. Oliver Smithies and help inspire the next generation of scientists, consider making a gift. Your support sustains the annual Oliver Smithies Symposium and its mission to ignite scientific excellence: https://go.unc.edu/smithies-donation