H. Gobind Khorana, Ph.D.

The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 1968
National Medal of Sciences - Biological Sciences 1978
Co-Nobelists: Robert W. Holley, Marshall W. Nirenberg

Organic Chemist, Biochemist. 'Genetic code interpretation, function in protein synthesis. Pioneered synthesizing biologically active gene, determine codon triplets' nucleotides order. Unraveled genetic code, how nucleic acids form proteins. Pioneered genetic engineering. Multidisciplinary work.

"Wife brought sense of purpose. In foreign country, I felt out of place everywhere, at home nowhere."

Work Environment

Har Gobind Khorana had good teachers, mentors and colleagues. Two of his mentors were Chemistry Nobel Laureates.

• Postdoc, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule, Zurich, 1948-1949. Mentor Vladimir Prelog, Chemistry Nobelist 1975. He greatly influenced Khorana in matters pertaining to scientific thought and work.
• Postdoc, Cambridge University, UK 1949. Mentor G. W. Kenner.
• Postdoc, Cambridge University, UK 1949. Mentor A. R. Todd, Chemistry Nobelist 1957.
• D.A.V. High School, Multan, India. Ratan Lal was an Influential Teacher.
• M. Sc. Punjab University, Lahore, India. Supervisor Mahan Singh was a great teacher and accurate experimentalist.
• Ph. D student, University of Liverpool. Research Supervisor Roger J. S. Beer personally took great care of Khorana and introduced him to the culture in the western world.