Frederick Sanger (1918–2013) was a British biochemist who made groundbreaking contributions to the field of molecular biology and received two Nobel Prizes in Chemistry, becoming one of the few individuals to achieve this honor. Born in Gloucestershire, England, Sanger studied biochemistry at the University of Cambridge before embarking on a distinguished research career.

Sanger’s most significant achievements include the development of methods for sequencing DNA and proteins, which revolutionized the study of genetics and molecular biology. In 1953, he developed the Sanger sequencing method, a groundbreaking technique for determining the nucleotide sequence of DNA molecules. This method played a crucial role in the Human Genome Project and numerous other genomic research projects.

For his revolutionary contributions to science, Sanger was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry twice, first in 1958 for his work on the structure of proteins and again in 1980 for his development of DNA sequencing methods. His work continues to underpin much of modern genetics and molecular biology.

Frederick Sanger Quotes

1. “Scientific research is one of the most exciting and rewarding of occupations.”
— Frederick Sanger

2. “It is like a voyage of discovery into unknown lands, seeking not for new territory but for new knowledge. It should appeal to those with a good sense of adventure.”
— Frederick Sanger

3. “In this atmosphere I soon became interested in nucleic acids.”
— Frederick Sanger

4. “Through art and science in their broadest senses it is possible to make a permanent contribution towards the improvement and enrichment of human life and it is these pursuits that we students are engaged in.”
— Frederick Sanger

5. “I was married to Margaret Joan Howe in 1940. Although not a scientist herself she has contributed more to my work than anyone else by providing a peaceful and happy home.”
— Frederick Sanger

6. “Influenced by him, and probably even more so by my brother Theodore a year older than me, I soon became interested in biology and developed a respect for the importance of science and the scientific method.”
— Frederick Sanger

7. “And indeed this theme has been at the centre of all my research since 1943, both because of its intrinsic fascination and my conviction that a knowledge of sequences could contribute much to our understanding of living matter.”
— Frederick Sanger

8. “I and my colleagues here have been engaged in the pursuit of knowledge.”
— Frederick Sanger

9. “Until 1943 I received no stipend. I was able to support myself as my mother was the daughter of a relatively wealthy cotton manufacturer.”
— Frederick Sanger

10. “Initially I had intended to study medicine, but before going to University I had decided that I would be better suited to a career in which I could concentrate my activities and interests more on a single goal than appeared to be possible in my father’s profession.”
— Frederick Sanger

11. “When I was young my Father used to tell me that the two most worthwhile pursuits in life were the pursuit of truth and of beauty and I believe that Alfred Nobel must have felt much the same when he gave these prizes for literature and the sciences.”
— Frederick Sanger