Paul Nurse

Like many students, I found the drudgery of real experiments and the slowness of progress a complete shock, and at my low points I contemplated other alternative careers including study of the philosophy or sociology of science.

I think it was this curiosity about the natural world which awoke my early interest in science.

I have an idealistic view of science as a liberalising and progressive force for humanity.

I felt strongly that since the pursuit of good science was so difficult it was essential that the problem being studied was an important one to justify the effort expanded.

It was during my time at secondary school that I abandoned religion.

I met my wife Anne who was a sociology student, and her influence together with activities associated with the student movement of the time opened up my interests amongst other things into the theatre, art, music, politics and philosophy.

It has been a privilege to pursue knowledge for its own sake and to see how it might help mankind in more practical ways.

Better understanding of the natural world not only enhances all of us as human beings, but can also be harnessed for the better good, leading to improved health and quality of life.