Max Perutz was born on May 19, 1914, in Austria. He grew up in a Jewish family, which would later have a profound impact on his life. Perutz attended the University of Vienna, where he studied chemistry and later pursued a PhD in organic chemistry. However, his academic pursuits were interrupted by the rise of Nazi Germany and the annexation of Austria, which led to his exile from the country due to his Jewish ancestry.
Despite facing adversity early in his career, Perutz continued to pursue his passion for science. He moved to England, where he joined the University of Cambridge's Medical Research Council laboratory. It was here that he began his groundbreaking research on the molecular structure of hemoglobin, a protein responsible for carrying oxygen in the blood.
Perutz's work on hemoglobin ultimately earned him the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1962. He was recognized for his pioneering efforts in using X-ray crystallography to study the complex three-dimensional structure of the protein, a feat that revolutionized the field of molecular biology.
Despite his remarkable achievements in science, Perutz remained humble and dedicated to his family. He married Gisela Clara Peiser in 1942, and together they had two children. Perutz's commitment to his family was as strong as his dedication to his research, a testament to his character and values.
In addition to his work on hemoglobin, Perutz also dedicated his later years to researching Huntington's disease, a debilitating neurodegenerative disorder. He hoped to find a cure for this devastating condition and worked tirelessly towards this goal until his passing.
Perutz was not one to shy away from controversy, especially when it came to defending his beliefs. He was highly critical of Richard Dawkins, a prominent atheist and evolutionary biologist, for his attacks on religion. Perutz believed that science and religion could coexist harmoniously, and he saw Dawkins' rhetoric as damaging to the scientific community.
Throughout his career, Perutz received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to science. In addition to the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, he was also awarded the Royal Medal of the Royal Society in 1971 and the Copley Medal in 1979. These honors were a testament to his pioneering research and dedication to advancing the field of molecular biology.
Max Perutz's legacy continues to inspire scientists and researchers around the world. His groundbreaking work on hemoglobin and his commitment to finding a cure for Huntington's disease have left an indelible mark on the scientific community. Perutz's passion for discovery and his unwavering dedication to improving the lives of others will forever be remembered as a shining example of what it means to be a true scientist.
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