Pioneering Human Geneticist & Cancer Genetics Expert; Discoverer of BRCA1; National Medal of Science Recipient
Mary-Claire King Biography
Dr. Mary-Claire King is a human geneticist recognized for her contributions to cancer genetics and human rights. King was the first to demonstrate that breast cancer can be inherited in some families due to mutations in the gene she named BRCA1. Her research identified BRCA1 as the first gene linked to a hereditary form of a common cancer, providing insight into why women with mutations in this gene face a significantly increased lifetime risk of developing breast cancer. The discovery of the chromosomal location of BRCA1 transformed cancer genetics, establishing that susceptibility to breast and ovarian cancer can be inherited and influencing risk prediction, screening, and preventive care globally.
King's research career has included work on the genetic bases of schizophrenia, the genetic causes of birth disorders in children, and human genetic diversity and evolution. As a graduate student, she and her adviser, Allan Wilson, determined that the DNA of humans and chimpanzees is more than 99 percent identical. King served as a faculty member at UC Berkeley and later became the American Cancer Society Professor in the departments of medicine and genome sciences at the University of Washington in Seattle.
In addition to her work in cancer genetics, King pioneered the use of DNA sequencing for human rights investigations. She developed methods for sequencing mitochondrial DNA from human remains, applying these techniques to identify kidnapped children in Argentina and to address cases of human rights violations worldwide. King's efforts contributed to the identification and reunification of 138 families affected by Argentina's military dictatorship. She served as a consultant to the Commission on the Disappearance of Persons of the Republic of Argentina and conducted DNA identifications for the United Nations War Crimes Tribunals.
King has received numerous honors, including the Lasker Special Achievement Award for Medical Research, the United States National Medal of Science, the Gruber Foundation Prize in Genetics, the Dan David Prize, the Shaw Prize in Medicine, and the Lasker Foundation Award for Medical Research. The National Academy of Sciences awarded her the Public Welfare Medal for her genetic research and its application to human rights. King has also received honorary doctorates from 22 institutions worldwide.
King is a member of the National Academy of Sciences, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the National Academy of Medicine, and a foreign member of the French Academy of Sciences. She previously served as president of the American Society of Human Genetics and is a founding member of the World Health Organization Science Council. King's work in genetics has influenced cancer research, genetic testing, and the use of DNA technology in human rights and forensic investigations.
Mary-Claire King Videos
Dr. Mary-Claire King Gairdner Science Week Laureate Lecture
Dr. Mary-Claire King, 2021 Canada Gairdner International Award winner delivered a laureate lecture at 2021 Gairdner Science Week
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What topics does Mary-Claire King speak about?
Mary-Claire King is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Cancer, Cancer Survivors, Education, Genetics, Health & Wellness, Research & Exploration, Science -
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Mary-Claire King is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book Mary-Claire King for your event is available upon request. Mary-Claire King generally travels from Seattle, WA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Lillie Shockney, T.J. Hills, Laurie H. Glimcher, Shayla Rivera and Shannon Miller. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Mary-Claire King for an upcoming live or virtual event.
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