Martin Evans: podcast appearances and interviews

Sir Martin John Evans is an English biologist born on January 1, 1941. He is recognized for his pioneering work in the field of genetics, notably his collaboration with Matthew Kaufman in 1981, which led to the first successful culture of mouse embryonic stem cells. This breakthrough enabled scientists to manipulate genes in mice, advancing the understanding of genetics and disease. Evans is also known for his contributions to the development of the knockout mouse and the technology of gene targeting, a method that uses embryonic stem cells to create specific gene modifications in mice. These innovations have played a crucial role in biomedical research, especially in developing new treatments for human illnesses. Evans's early academic path included a scholarship to Christ's College, Cambridge, where he developed an interest in biology and biochemistry amidst scientific advances in genetics. He furthered his laboratory skills at University College London under Elizabeth Deuchar. In 1978, he joined the Department of Genetics at the University of Cambridge and began collaborating with Kaufman. After Kaufman’s departure, Evans continued refining his techniques, successfully isolating and establishing embryonic stem cells from early mouse embryos in culture. His work in genetically modifying and implanting these cells into adult mice resulted in genetically altered offspring. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2007 alongside Mario Capecchi and Oliver Smithies for this work. In 2015, Evans was elected a Fellow of the Learned Society of Wales. His research has significantly impacted medical science by providing vital models for understanding and treating human diseases.