# Max Perutz

> Austrian-born British molecular biologist (1914-2002)

**Wikidata**: [Q78480](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q78480)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Max_Perutz)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/max-perutz

## Summary
Max Perutz was an Austrian-born British molecular biologist (1914–2002) who made groundbreaking contributions to the study of protein structure, particularly through his work on hemoglobin and myoglobin. He shared the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1962 for his pioneering use of X-ray crystallography to determine the three-dimensional structure of biological molecules, a method that revolutionized molecular biology.

## Biography
- Born: May 19, 1914, in Vienna, Austria
- Nationality: Austrian (born), British (naturalized)
- Education:
  - Theresianum, Vienna (1924–1932)
  - University of Vienna (1932–1938)
  - University of Cambridge (1938–1941)
- Known for: Pioneering the use of X-ray crystallography to determine the three-dimensional structure of biological molecules
- Employer(s):
  - University of Cambridge (1941–1976)
  - University of Vienna (1976–2002)
- Field(s): Molecular biology, biochemistry, crystallography

## Contributions
- **X-ray crystallography of hemoglobin and myoglobin**: Perutz and his team used X-ray crystallography to determine the three-dimensional structures of hemoglobin and myoglobin, providing critical insights into how proteins function. This work was published in 1960 and earned him the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1962.
- **Development of the Perutz method**: Perutz developed a method for determining the structure of biological molecules using X-ray crystallography, which became a standard technique in molecular biology.
- **Teaching and mentorship**: Perutz taught at the University of Cambridge and the University of Vienna, mentoring numerous students and researchers in the field of molecular biology.
- **Publications**: Perutz authored over 200 scientific papers and several books, including *The Proteins* (1978), which became a standard reference in the field.

## FAQs
**What was Max Perutz known for?**
Max Perutz is known for his pioneering work in X-ray crystallography, which he used to determine the three-dimensional structures of hemoglobin and myoglobin. This research earned him the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1962.

**Where did Max Perutz study?**
Perutz studied at the Theresianum in Vienna, the University of Vienna, and the University of Cambridge. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge in 1938.

**What was Max Perutz's most significant achievement?**
Perutz's most significant achievement was the use of X-ray crystallography to determine the three-dimensional structures of hemoglobin and myoglobin, which provided critical insights into protein function and earned him the Nobel Prize in Chemistry.

**Where did Max Perutz work?**
Perutz worked at the University of Cambridge from 1941 to 1976 and at the University of Vienna from 1976 until his death in 2002.

**What awards did Max Perutz receive?**
Perutz received numerous awards, including the Nobel Prize in Chemistry (1962), the Copley Medal (1968), the Royal Medal (1971), and the Pour le Mérite for Sciences and Arts (1973).

## Why They Matter
Max Perutz's work revolutionized the field of molecular biology by demonstrating the power of X-ray crystallography in determining the three-dimensional structures of biological molecules. His research on hemoglobin and myoglobin provided critical insights into protein function and laid the foundation for modern structural biology. Perutz's contributions have influenced generations of scientists and continue to shape our understanding of molecular biology. His work has had a profound impact on medicine, biotechnology, and our broader understanding of life at the molecular level.

## Notable For
- **Nobel Prize in Chemistry (1962)**: Awarded for his work on the structures of hemoglobin and myoglobin.
- **Copley Medal (1968)**: Received for his contributions to science.
- **Royal Medal (1971)**: Awarded by the Royal Society for his outstanding achievements.
- **Pour le Mérite for Sciences and Arts (1973)**: German award recognizing his scientific achievements.
- **Otto Warburg Medal (1963)**: Awarded for his work in biochemistry.
- **Wilhelm Exner Medal (1968)**: Austrian award recognizing his contributions to science.
- **Sir Hans Krebs Medal (1968)**: Awarded for his work in biochemistry.
- **Honorary doctorates**: Received from the University of Vienna, Salzburg University, and the University of Paris-XI.
- **Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences**: Recognized for his contributions to science.
- **Austrian Decoration for Science and Art (1962)**: Awarded for his scientific achievements.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Max Ferdinand Perutz was born on May 19, 1914, in Vienna, Austria. He attended the Theresianum, a prestigious school in Vienna, from 1924 to 1932. He then studied at the University of Vienna, where he earned his Ph.D. in 1938. Perutz moved to the University of Cambridge in 1938, where he worked under the supervision of John Desmond Bernal and later became a professor of biochemistry.

### Career and Research
Perutz's career was marked by groundbreaking contributions to molecular biology. He used X-ray crystallography to determine the three-dimensional structures of hemoglobin and myoglobin, providing critical insights into protein function. This work was published in 1960 and earned him the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1962. Perutz developed a method for determining the structure of biological molecules using X-ray crystallography, which became a standard technique in molecular biology.

### Teaching and Mentorship
Perutz taught at the University of Cambridge from 1941 to 1976 and at the University of Vienna from 1976 until his death in 2002. He mentored numerous students and researchers in the field of molecular biology, shaping the careers of many scientists.

### Publications and Legacy
Perutz authored over 200 scientific papers and several books, including *The Proteins* (1978), which became a standard reference in the field. His work has had a profound impact on medicine, biotechnology, and our broader understanding of life at the molecular level. Perutz's contributions continue to influence research in molecular biology and structural biology.

### Awards and Recognition
Perutz received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the Nobel Prize in Chemistry (1962), the Copley Medal (1968), the Royal Medal (1971), and the Pour le Mérite for Sciences and Arts (1973). He was also awarded honorary doctorates from the University of Vienna, Salzburg University, and the University of Paris-XI. Perutz was a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and received the Austrian Decoration for Science and Art in 1962.

### Personal Life
Max Perutz married Elizabeth Perutz in 1940, and they had two children. He passed away on February 6, 2002, in Vienna, Austria. His legacy continues to inspire scientists and researchers in the field of molecular biology.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1969–1978)
3. BnF authorities
4. NNDB
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8. [The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 1962. nobelprize.org](https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/chemistry/1962/summary/)
9. [Table showing prize amounts. Nobel Foundation. 2019](https://www.nobelprize.org/uploads/2019/04/prize-amounts-2020.pdf)
10. [Source](https://otto-warburg-medal.org/en/laureates.html)
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