# Richard Henderson

> Nobel prize winning British biochemist (born 1945)

**Wikidata**: [Q1678456](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1678456)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Henderson_(biologist))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/richard-henderson-q1678456

## Summary
Richard Henderson is a Nobel Prize-winning British biochemist born in 1945, renowned for his groundbreaking work in molecular biology and cryogenic electron microscopy. He is best known for his contributions to the development of cryo-electron microscopy, which revolutionized the study of biological structures at near-atomic resolution.

## Biography
- Born: 1945
- Nationality: United Kingdom
- Education:
  - University of Cambridge (Bachelor's degree)
  - Corpus Christi College, Cambridge
  - University of Edinburgh (PhD)
- Known for: Pioneering cryogenic electron microscopy and its application in structural biology
- Employer(s):
  - University of Cambridge
  - University of Edinburgh
  - Laboratory of Molecular Biology
  - Yale University
- Field(s):
  - Molecular biology
  - Biochemistry
  - Crystallography

## Contributions
Richard Henderson made foundational contributions to structural biology through his work in cryogenic electron microscopy. His most notable achievement was the development of single-particle cryo-electron microscopy, which allowed scientists to visualize biological molecules in their native state with unprecedented clarity. This technique has since become a cornerstone of modern structural biology, enabling breakthroughs in understanding protein structures and their functions. Henderson's work earned him the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2017, shared with Jacques Dubochet and Joachim Frank, for their development of cryo-electron microscopy.

## FAQs
**What is Richard Henderson known for?**
Richard Henderson is known for pioneering cryogenic electron microscopy, a technique that has revolutionized the study of biological structures at near-atomic resolution. His work earned him the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2017.

**Where did Richard Henderson study?**
Richard Henderson studied at the University of Cambridge, earning his Bachelor's degree, and later completed his PhD at the University of Edinburgh. He was affiliated with Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, and the Laboratory of Molecular Biology.

**What awards has Richard Henderson received?**
Richard Henderson has received numerous prestigious awards, including the Nobel Prize in Chemistry (2017), the Copley Medal, the Rosenstiel Award, and the Ernst Ruska Prize, among others.

**Where has Richard Henderson worked?**
Richard Henderson has worked at the University of Cambridge, the University of Edinburgh, the Laboratory of Molecular Biology, and Yale University, contributing to molecular biology and structural biology research.

**What is cryogenic electron microscopy?**
Cryogenic electron microscopy is a form of transmission electron microscopy where samples are studied at cryogenic temperatures, preserving their native structure and enabling high-resolution imaging of biological molecules.

## Why They Matter
Richard Henderson's work in cryogenic electron microscopy has had a profound impact on structural biology, enabling scientists to visualize biological molecules with unprecedented clarity. His technique has facilitated breakthroughs in understanding protein structures and their functions, leading to advancements in medicine, biotechnology, and fundamental biological research. Henderson's contributions have shaped the field of molecular biology and continue to influence scientific discovery today.

## Notable For
- Pioneer of cryogenic electron microscopy, revolutionizing structural biology
- Recipient of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry (2017) for his work in cryo-electron microscopy
- Fellow of the Royal Society and member of the National Academy of Sciences
- Contributions to the development of single-particle cryo-electron microscopy
- Leadership in molecular biology research at prestigious institutions

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Richard Henderson was born in 1945 in the United Kingdom. He pursued his undergraduate studies at the University of Cambridge, where he earned his Bachelor's degree. He later completed his PhD at the University of Edinburgh, furthering his education at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge. His academic background laid the foundation for his groundbreaking work in molecular biology.

### Career and Research
Henderson's career has been marked by significant contributions to molecular biology and structural biology. He has worked at the University of Cambridge, the University of Edinburgh, the Laboratory of Molecular Biology, and Yale University, where he has led research in cryogenic electron microscopy and its applications. His work has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2017.

### Contributions to Cryogenic Electron Microscopy
Henderson's most notable contribution is the development of cryogenic electron microscopy, which has transformed the study of biological structures. His technique allows scientists to visualize molecules in their native state with near-atomic resolution, enabling breakthroughs in understanding protein structures and their functions. This method has become a cornerstone of modern structural biology.

### Awards and Recognition
Richard Henderson has received numerous prestigious awards for his work, including the Nobel Prize in Chemistry (2017), the Copley Medal, the Rosenstiel Award, and the Ernst Ruska Prize. His achievements have been widely recognized in the scientific community, solidifying his legacy as a pioneer in molecular biology.

### Influence on Molecular Biology
Henderson's work has had a profound impact on the field of molecular biology, enabling scientists to study biological molecules with unprecedented clarity. His contributions have shaped the development of cryogenic electron microscopy and continue to influence scientific discovery today. His legacy as a pioneer in structural biology ensures his lasting impact on the field.

## References

1. [X-ray analysis of [alpha]-chymotrysin : substrate and inhibitor binding.](https://idiscover.lib.cam.ac.uk/permalink/44CAM_INST/rmisas/alma99168334103606)
2. [Source](https://www2.mrc-lmb.cam.ac.uk/group-leaders/emeritus/richard-henderson/)
3. [Source](https://royalsociety.org/people/richard-henderson-11607/)
4. [Source](https://www.brandeis.edu/rosenstiel/rosenstiel-award/past.html)
5. [Source](https://www.dge-homepage.de/erp_e.html)
6. [Source](http://www.nasonline.org/programs/awards/alexander-hollaender-award.html)
7. [Source](https://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/chemistry/laureates/2017/press-sv.html)
8. [nobelprize.org](https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/chemistry/2017/henderson/facts/)
9. [Award winners : Copley Medal. Royal Society](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1dsunM9ukGLgaW3HdG9cvJ_QKd7pWjGI0qi_fCb1ROD4/pubhtml?gid=1336391689&single=true)
10. [Source](https://www.jeantet.ch/en/prix-louis-jeantet/laureats/1993-en/docteur-richard-henderson/)
11. [Source](https://ethz.ch/de/die-eth-zuerich/portraet/auszeichnungen/ehrenraete-und-ehrendoktoren.html)
12. [Source](https://www.seaborg.ucla.edu/previous_recipients.html)
13. [Source](https://www.aaas.org/programs/fellows/2024-aaas-fellows)
14. [Richard Henderson – NAS](https://www.nasonline.org/directory-entry/richard-henderson-vvmuy2/)
15. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
16. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
17. Munzinger Personen
18. SciGraph
19. Golden