Molecular Biologist & Biochemist; Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine; Co-Discoverer of Telomerase; Author of "The Telomere Effect"

San Francisco, CA, USA
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Elizabeth Blackburn Biography

Dr. Elizabeth Blackburn is an Australian-American molecular biologist and biochemist recognized for research in cellular aging and disease. Blackburn received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for discovering the molecular nature of telomeres—the ends of chromosomes that serve as protective caps essential for preserving genetic information—and for co-discovering telomerase, an enzyme that maintains telomere ends. The Nobel Prize was awarded jointly to Blackburn, Carol W. Greider, and Jack W. Szostak for the discovery of how chromosomes are protected by telomeres and the enzyme telomerase. Blackburn was the first Australian woman to become a Nobel Laureate and the first woman working at University of California, San Francisco to win the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.

Blackburn's scientific career began with doctoral work under biochemist Frederick Sanger at University of Cambridge, where she developed expertise in DNA sequencing. As a postdoctoral fellow at Yale University, she joined the lab of cell biologist Joseph Gall and applied DNA sequencing techniques to the ends of chromosomes in Tetrahymena thermophila. Working with this organism, Blackburn uncovered the molecular structure of the telomere, the region at the end of the chromosome that prevents disintegration during cell reproduction. She co-discovered telomerase with Carol W. Greider, explaining how chromosomes are protected from degradation during cell division and advancing research in age-related diseases and cancer.

Blackburn joined the faculty at University of California, Berkeley in the Department of Molecular Biology, and later joined the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at UCSF, where she served as department chair. She also served as the first female president of the Salk Institute. Blackburn has held leadership roles in the American Association of Cancer Research and the American Society for Cell Biology, and served on editorial boards of scientific journals including Cell and Science. Research on telomeres and telomerase has played a central role in understanding aging and diseases such as cancer, and Blackburn's work has contributed to the development of new fields in these areas.

In addition to the Nobel Prize, Blackburn has received major awards in science, including the Lasker, Gruber, and Gairdner prizes. She received the Albert Lasker Medical Research Award for Basic Medical Research, was named one of TIME Magazine's 100 Most Influential People, and was the North American Laureate for L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science. Blackburn was elected a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the Royal Society of London, a Foreign Associate of the National Academy of Sciences, and a member of the Institute of Medicine.

Outside the laboratory, Blackburn has communicated science to the public. She partnered with psychologist Elissa Epel to publish research findings in a book for a general audience. "The Telomere Effect: A Revolutionary Approach to Living Younger, Healthier, Longer" explores the aging process and how lifestyle changes related to telomeres can increase longevity. The book discusses how telomere length and health are biological underpinnings of the mind-body connection. Blackburn has also advocated for scientific integrity and ethics, contributing to public understanding of molecular biology, genetics, and health science.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 09/22/2026.

Elizabeth Blackburn Videos

Storer Lectureship feat. Elizabeth Blackburn, University of California

Storer Lectureship feat. Elizabeth Blackburn, University of California

feat. Elizabeth Blackburn University of California San Francisco | April 5 2022.

Elizabeth Blackburn, Carol Greider and Jack Szostak

Elizabeth Blackburn, Carol Greider and Jack Szostak

Comments · Stressnetwork.ch 2019: Lecture by Elizabeth Blackburn (Nobel Prize 2009) · Explorations of Telomere Biology in the Context of Human.

Elizabeth Blackburn Interview: A Scientist's Path to the Nobel Prize

Elizabeth Blackburn Interview: A Scientist's Path to the Nobel Prize

Elizabeth Blackburn recalls how her childhood passion for science grew as she progressed through school and was inspired by influential.

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  • What topics does Elizabeth Blackburn speak about?

    Elizabeth Blackburn is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Aging, Biology, Earth Science, Female Leadership, Genetics, Influential Women, Leadership, Medicine, Research & Exploration, Science, STEM, STEM Education, Technology, Women, Women's Health, Women's Rights
  • Where does Elizabeth Blackburn travel from?

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Elizabeth Blackburn is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book Elizabeth Blackburn for your event is $10,000 - $20,000. Elizabeth Blackburn generally travels from San Francisco, CA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Craig Mello, Ari Beser, Gregg L. Semenza, Shayla Rivera and Adam G. Riess. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Elizabeth Blackburn for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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