Stem cell pioneer comments to media on latest Nobel prize

9 October 2012

Prof Anthony Hollander, Head of Cellular and Molecular Medicine at the University, has spoken to national and international media about the 2012 Nobel prize in physiology or medicine.

Professor Hollander commented on the significance of Sir John B Gurdon and Shinya Yamanaka’s Nobel prize-winning research which has revolutionised our understanding of how cells and organisms develop.

The pair were awarded the prize for changing adult cells into stem cells, which can then become any other type of cell in the body. Commenting on the award, Professor Hollander said: “This joint Nobel Prize traces and celebrates the wonderful scientific journey from John Gurdon’s pioneering early work to the sensational discovery of somatic cell reprogramming by Shinya Yamanaka. It is fantastic news for stem cell research and for UK Science.”

Professor Hollander was interviewed by BBC Radio 4’s Inside Health on the therapeutic benefits of this research, BBC World TV’s Newsday programme, Voice of Russia, New Scientist online and BBC News.