Elizabeth Blackburn

Nobel Prize-winning biologist who revolutionized understanding of telomeres and aging.

Elizabeth Blackburn (b. 1948) transformed molecular biology through her discovery of telomerase, an enzyme that protects chromosomal integrity. Born in Tasmania, Australia, her groundbreaking work earned the 2009 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, making her one of only 12 women to receive this honor in the category.

Blackburn's research revealed how telomeres—protective caps at chromosome ends—shorten with cell division, linking this process to aging and cancer. Collaborating with Carol Greider and Jack Szostak, she identified telomerase's role in maintaining telomeres, opening new avenues for cancer treatment and anti-aging therapies. Her findings challenged long-held assumptions about cellular lifespan, earning her the nickname 'the queen of telomeres.'

Beyond the lab, Blackburn championed ethical science practices, serving on the US President’s Council on Bioethics. She co-authored The Telomere Effect, translating complex science into public health advice. Today, her work underpins studies on stress-related aging and epigenetic clocks, proving that fundamental research can reshape medical paradigms.