Roberts was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1993, jointly with Phillip Sharpe, for their independent discoveries in 1977 of introns in eukaryotic DNA and the mechanism of gene splicing. Their discoveries were fundamental to the development of recombinant DNA technology and the biotechnology industry. Roberts has served as a consultant and chairman of the Scientific Advisory Board at New England Biolabs (NEB) since 1974. He joined NEB in 1992 as chief scientific officer. He holds doctor of science degrees from Sheffield University and Derby University.
At 11:30 Roberts will talk about “Bacteria and DNA Methylation,” recent technological advances that allow for rapid analysis of the methylation patterns that help regulate gene expression. At 2:00 he will present “New England Biolabs, a Company of Scientists,” a focus on his company’s business model and the balance between research and commerce.
The seminar takes place in the WPI Life Sciences and Bioengineering Center, 60 Prescott Street.
