Harvey F. Lodish is one of the most influential scientists of modern times, who has made an enormous contribution to the development of molecular biology and biomedicine. Under his supervision, more than 200 young researchers have been trained, 10 of whom became academicians and two Nobel Prize laureates. He stood at the origins of the creation of biotechnology companies Genzyme, Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Tevard, and Cerberus Capital Management, which defined the direction of development of the modern biotechnology industry.
As part of the visit, Professor Lodish delivered a leadership lecture entitled “New technologies and the creation of successful biotechnology companies for the treatment of diseases: a personal story”, where he shared his experience in transforming scientific ideas into real medical solutions. The moderator of the lecture was an outstanding scientist of Kazakhstan, academician of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Director of the Research Institute of Biology and Biotechnology Problems of KazNU, A.K. Bisenbaev.
The scientist emphasized that the connection between science and entrepreneurship and the involvement of researchers in commercial projects create the foundation for the sustainable development of innovation and progress in healthcare. “When science meets business, discoveries are born that can change the lives of millions of people. It is the cooperation of universities, research centers, and investors that forms an ecosystem in which ideas turn into reality”,- noted Professor Lodish.
As part of the visit, a tour of the biological museum of KazNU also took place, which, according to the professor, is in no way inferior to the Museum of Science in Boston. The visit of Professor Massachusetts Institute of Technology H.F. Lodish is a symbol of the internationalization of scientific research and the strengthening of partnerships between KazNU and leading research centers of the world.
Zhazira ZHUNUSBAYEVA,
Candidate of Biological Sciences, Head of the Department of Molecular Biology
Aizhan ZHUSUPOVA,
PhD, Geneticist, Associate Professor
