Gillian Bates facts for kids

Gillian Patricia Bates, born on May 19, 1956, is a famous British biologist. She is known for her important work on Huntington's disease. This is a serious brain condition. In 1998, she won the GlaxoSmithKline Prize. She received this award for helping to find what causes Huntington's disease. Since 2016, she has been a Professor of Neurogenetics. She works at the UCL Institute of Neurology. She also helps lead the UCL Huntington's Disease Centre.

Gillian Bates's Education

Gillian Bates went to Kenilworth Grammar School. She then studied at the University of Sheffield. In 1979, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree there.

She continued her studies in London. She got her Master of Science degree in 1984. This was from Birkbeck College, London. Later, she earned her PhD in 1987. She completed this at St Mary's Hospital Medical School. Her PhD research focused on genetic mapping. She studied the gene that causes cystic fibrosis. She worked with a scientist named Robert Williamson.

Important Research on Huntington's Disease

Dr. Bates's main research has been on Huntington's disease. This is a genetic disorder. It affects the brain and nervous system.

Discovering the Huntington's Gene

She was part of the team that first found the gene. This gene is called the Huntington's disease gene. Finding this gene was a huge step. It helped scientists understand the disease better.

Creating a Mouse Model

Dr. Bates also created the first mouse model for the disease. This model is known as the R6/2 mouse. It means she made mice that had the disease. These mice helped scientists study how Huntington's disease develops. This was a very important tool for research.

Work at King's College London

Before joining UCL in 2016, Dr. Bates led a research group. This group was called the Neurogenetics Research Group. It was based at King's College London.

Awards and Special Honours

Dr. Bates has received many awards for her work. These awards recognize her important contributions to science.

Fellowships and Memberships

In 1999, she became a fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences. She also joined the European Molecular Biology Organisation in 2002. In 2007, she was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a very high honour for scientists. She also served on its Council in 2011.

Major Prizes

In 1998, she won the Royal Society Glaxo Wellcome Award. She shared this award with Stephen Davies. They received it for finding the cause of Huntington's Disease. In August 2024, Dr. Bates was given the prestigious Ferrier Medal. This medal is from the Royal Society. It recognized her deep understanding of Huntington's disease.

See also

In Spanish: Gillian Bates para niños