Guy Dodson

Guy Dodson

Guy Dodson (13 January 1937 – 24 December 2012) was a prominent British biochemist and structural biologist known for his significant contributions to the field of protein crystallography. His work primarily focused on the structure and function of insulin and other biologically important molecules.

Early Life and Education

Guy Dodson was born in England and developed an early interest in science. He pursued his undergraduate studies at the University of Leeds, where he earned a degree in chemistry. He later completed his PhD at the same institution, focusing on the structural analysis of biological molecules.

Career

Dodson's career began at the University of York, where he joined the Department of Chemistry as a lecturer. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a professor and eventually leading the York Structural Biology Laboratory (YSBL). His research at YSBL was instrumental in advancing the understanding of protein structure and function.

Insulin Research

One of Dodson's most notable achievements was his work on the structure of insulin. Collaborating with other leading scientists, he used X-ray crystallography to determine the three-dimensional structure of insulin, providing crucial insights into its mechanism of action. This work has had a lasting impact on the development of diabetes treatments.

Other Contributions

In addition to his insulin research, Dodson made significant contributions to the study of other proteins and enzymes. His work on lysozyme and ribonuclease provided valuable information on enzyme mechanisms and protein folding. He also contributed to the development of computational methods for protein structure determination.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his career, Dodson received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to science. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS) in recognition of his outstanding work in structural biology. He also received the CIBA Medal and Prize from the Biochemical Society.

Personal Life

Dodson was married to Eleanor Dodson, a fellow structural biologist, and they often collaborated on research projects. He was known for his dedication to mentoring young scientists and fostering a collaborative research environment.

Legacy

Guy Dodson's work has left a lasting legacy in the field of structural biology. His contributions to the understanding of protein structures have paved the way for new scientific discoveries and medical advancements. The York Structural Biology Laboratory continues to be a leading center for research in structural biology, building on the foundation he helped establish.

See Also

• Protein crystallography
• Insulin
• X-ray crystallography
• York Structural Biology Laboratory
• Eleanor Dodson