Ian Wilson (biologist) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ian Andrew Wilson
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|---|---|
| Born | |
| Alma mater | University of Edinburgh, Oxford University |
| Known for | Structural biology |
| Scientific career | |
| Institutions | Scripps Research Institute |
| Doctoral advisor | David Chilton Phillips |
| Other academic advisors | Don Craig Wiley |
Ian Andrew Wilson is a very important scientist who studies how tiny parts of living things are built. He is a professor at the Scripps Research Institute in San Diego, California, United States. He leads a department that looks at the structure of biological things using computers.
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What Did Ian Wilson Study?
Ian Wilson started his science journey at the University of Edinburgh in 1971. He earned his first degree in biochemistry. Later, in 1976, he got his PhD from Oxford University. There, he worked with David Chilton Phillips to study a protein called triosephosphate isomerase.
His Work on Viruses
After Oxford, he moved to Harvard University for more research. From 1977 to 1982, he worked with Don Craig Wiley. During this time, he made a big discovery. He figured out the exact 3D shape of the hemagglutinin protein from the influenza virus. This was a huge step in understanding how viruses work.
Ian Wilson's Career and Research
In 1982, Ian Wilson joined the Scripps Research Institute. He became a professor there. His laboratory focuses on how our body's immune system fights off tiny invaders like bacteria and viruses.
Studying Antibodies and Viruses
His team has looked at the shapes of over 85 different antibody molecules. Antibodies are like tiny defenders in our body. They also studied how these antibodies connect with different things, like steroids, small proteins, sugars, and parts of viruses. This includes important viruses like HIV-1 and Hepatitis C virus.
In 2004, his team made headlines in Science magazine. They successfully rebuilt the hemagglutinin protein from the 1918 Spanish flu virus. This helped scientists learn more about that deadly flu.
Discovering Protein Structures
Since 2000, Ian Wilson has also led a group called the Joint Center for Structural Genomics (JCSG). This center has found new ways to study protein structures very quickly. They use special techniques like X-ray crystallography and NMR. The JCSG has figured out the shapes of over 700 different proteins. This helps us understand the vast world of proteins.
Awards and Special Recognitions
Ian Wilson has received many important awards for his work.
- In 2000, he became a Fellow of the Royal Society of London. This is a very high honor for scientists.
- In 2002, he joined the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
- In 2008, he became a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.
- In 2016, he was chosen as a foreign associate of the National Academy of Sciences.
He also helped judge the Infosys Prize for Life Sciences in 2014.
About Ian Wilson's Life
Ian Wilson was born in Perth, Scotland. His father worked as a journalist.
More Information
- Ian Wilson's Profile at The Scripps Research Institute
- Ian Wilson's Lab Website at The Scripps Research Institute
