A recipient of the 2001 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, Dr. Hunt initially conducted studies of hemoglobin synthesis and translational control. These studies eventually led to the discovery of cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs). Further analysis of these protein families demonstrated that cyclins are responsible for the activation of cyclin-dependent kinases, an event required for completion of the cell cycle.
Dr. Hunt’s studies illuminated our understanding of cellular division and the cell cycle and have been essential to the evolution of promising cancer therapeutics. Several clinical trials are currently ongoing for the use of CDK inhibitors against a wide range of cancer types.
Career Highlights
2006 Elected Member, National Academy of Sciences, Washington, DC
2006 Knighted, Queen’s Birthday Honor List
2006 Queen ‘s Medal, Royal Society, London
2002 Officer, Legion of Honor (France)
2001 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine
1999 Elected Foreign Associate, National Academy of Sciences, Washington, DC
1998 Founder, UK Academy of Medical Sciences
1993 Abraham White Scientific Achievement Award of the George Washington University
1991 Elected Fellow, Royal Society, London
1991 Scientific Director, Imperial Cancer Research Fund
1990 Head, Cell Cycle Control Laboratory, Imperial Cancer Research Fund
1968 PhD, University of Cambridge