Alexander Rich was born on November 15, 1924, in Connecticut, United States. From a young age, he showed a keen interest in biology and the natural world. He pursued his passion for science by enrolling at Harvard medical school, where he received a solid foundation in the biological sciences.
After completing his education, Alexander Rich embarked on a successful career as a biologist and biophysicist. In 1958, he was appointed as the William Thompson Sedgwick Professor of Biophysics at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). This position allowed him to conduct groundbreaking research in the field of biophysics and make significant contributions to the scientific community.
One of Alexander Rich's most notable achievements was the founding of Alkermes, a biopharmaceutical company that specializes in the treatment of central nervous system diseases. His innovative work at Alkermes helped to advance the field of biopharmaceuticals and improve the lives of patients suffering from neurological disorders.
Throughout his career, Alexander Rich made numerous groundbreaking discoveries that have had a lasting impact on the scientific community. In 1963, he discovered polysomes, which are clusters of ribosomes that read one strand of mRNA simultaneously. This discovery revolutionized our understanding of protein synthesis and paved the way for further research in the field of molecular biology.
Alexander Rich was a devoted husband and father. He shared four children with his wife, Jane Erving Rich. Despite his busy career, he always made time for his family and prioritized their well-being above all else.
Alexander Rich's contributions to the field of biophysics and molecular biology have had a lasting impact on the scientific community. His groundbreaking research and innovative work at Alkermes have helped to advance our understanding of complex biological processes and develop new treatments for a range of diseases.
He was also known for his collaboration with renowned scientist Linus Pauling. Through their post-doctoral research, they were able to build on each other's work and make significant advancements in the field of molecular biology.
Alexander Rich will be remembered as a pioneering biologist and biophysicist who made significant contributions to the field of molecular biology. His groundbreaking research and innovative work have helped to advance our understanding of complex biological processes and improve the lives of patients around the world.