| A risk-taker, Smith jumped at the chance to do a post-doctoral
research at the University of British Columbia with Gobind
Khorana, a researcher working on the chemistry of biologically
important molecules. Despite the fact that this kind of chemistry
was very different than what he had studied, Smith took the
challenge.
By the mid-1970's his determination and intuition paid off.
He made a revolutionary discovery, one that changed the face
of gene research. Remarkably, Smith's paper announcing his
discovery, called "site-directed mutagenesis", was first rejected
by a leading academic journal for not being "of general interest".
Not deterred by this latest setback, Michael continued his
efforts to get his paper published and succeeded. His discovery
would eventually win him the 1993 Nobel Prize for chemistry.
"In research you really have to love and be committed
to your work because things have more of a chance of going
wrong than right. But when things go right, there's nothing
more exciting."
Scientific Genius
| 
Michael Smith receives the Nobel Prize in Chemistry
from the King of Sweden, Carl XVI Gustaf, in Stockholm,
December 10, 1993.
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His revolutionary genomic
discoveries won him a Nobel Prize and launched a new
era in genetics research.
Michael Smith discovered a technique that can alter
genes by rearranging the small molecules called nucleotides,
from which genes are formed. Rearranging the nucleotides
of a gene creates a mutation. Before his technique,
there was no way to create specific gene mutations.
Now scientists have the precise tool they need to target
and explore specific gene sites on the DNA molecule.
This has allowed them to develop special bacteria, plants
and animals with new desirable qualities or abilities.
With further research, his technique could be used to
correct bad mutations that cause diseases. |
The advancements Michael Smith brought to science are evident
in the way present-day disease research is conducted worldwide.
His method for manipulating genes has led to enormous advances
in our understanding of serious diseases like cancer. "His
was clearly one of the key advances that moved science forward
- and not just a little bit. It was a giant leap", says Bob
Phillips, executive director of the National Cancer Institute
of Canada.
"You've got to really love doing research. It's got
to be the thing you want to do because if you're doing pioneering
research, you have to work hard. Things go wrong quite a
lot. You've got to have a commitment to it."
Michael Smith with his family and friends in Stockholm.
Generous Philanthropist
Michael Smiths' achievements go far beyond
the realm of chemistry. As a philanthropist, teacher,
ethicist and advocate for research and humanitarian
funding, Smith rose above the ivory tower of science.
Well-known for his commitment to social causes and
science education, Smith donated his Nobel Prize winnings
to schizophrenia research, Science World BC and to the
Society for Canadian Women in Science and Technology.
He challenged federal and provincial governments to
match his contributions, which they did. He used the
exposure of the Nobel Prize to lobby on behalf of science
research and education.
Smith was a sought out public speaker, and took every
opportunity to promote science to the general public.
This brilliant researcher was also a regular person
who knew how to reach his audience whether he was speaking
to public policy decision-makers or students. See Youth
Science Fair.
"I never saw Michael do anything to promote
Michael Smith. He only really worked for the common
good. I found him to be caring, caring about the person,
caring about the issue he was dealing with. He always
gave very thoughtful comments and would advocate for
the causes he believed in."
Bob Phillips, executive director
of the National Cancer Institute of Canada.
"It is important to have a scientifically literate
public because there are so many things in our lives
driven by science and technology."
Michael Smith
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Michael Smith's philosophy.
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Determination
and Optimism
