Anne McLaren

Anne Laura Dorinthea McLaren

British developmental biologist (1927–2007)

Anne McLaren

Birth name	Anne Laura Dorinthea McLaren
Born	(1927-04-26)26 April 1927
Birth place	London, England
Died	7 July 2007(2007-07-07) (aged 80)
Place of death	Grantchester, Cambridgeshire, England
Nationality	British
Known for	In vitro fertilisation
Awards	Royal Medal (1990), Japan Prize (2002)

Anne Laura Dorinthea McLaren (26 April 1927 – 7 July 2007) was a British developmental biologist whose work helped lead to in vitro fertilisation (IVF). She was a leading figure in developmental biology and made significant contributions to the field of reproductive biology.

Early life and education

Anne McLaren was born in London, England, on 26 April 1927. She was educated at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford, where she studied zoology. Her early research was influenced by her work with Peter Medawar on the genetics of rabbits.

Career

McLaren's career in developmental biology began at University College London, where she worked on the development of mouse embryos. Her research was pivotal in understanding the mechanisms of embryogenesis and reproductive technology. In 1958, she and her colleague John Biggers successfully grew mouse embryos in vitro, which was a significant milestone in the development of IVF technology.

She later moved to the University of Edinburgh, where she continued her research on mammalian embryology. In 1974, she became the director of the Medical Research Council's Mammalian Development Unit at the University of Cambridge. Her work there furthered the understanding of genetic imprinting and the development of reproductive technologies.

Contributions to science

Anne McLaren's research has had a profound impact on the field of developmental biology. Her work on IVF has helped countless individuals with fertility issues. She also contributed to the understanding of stem cells and their potential in regenerative medicine.

Awards and recognition

Throughout her career, McLaren received numerous awards and honors. She was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS) in 1975 and was awarded the Royal Medal in 1990. In 2002, she received the prestigious Japan Prize for her contributions to medical science.

Personal life

Anne McLaren was married to fellow biologist Donald Michie, with whom she had three children. The couple later divorced but remained close collaborators in their scientific work.

Death

Anne McLaren died in a car accident on 7 July 2007, along with her former husband Donald Michie, near Grantchester, Cambridgeshire.

Legacy

Anne McLaren's legacy lives on through her groundbreaking research and the many scientists she mentored throughout her career. Her work continues to influence the fields of developmental and reproductive biology.

See also

• In vitro fertilisation
• Developmental biology
• Reproductive technology
• Stem cells