NEWS

Dr. Szybalski was born in Lwów, Poland on September 9, 1921. He pursued his education and training at the Politechnika Lwowska (currently Lviv Technical University), the Politechnika Śląska (SilesianTechnical University) and the Politechnika Gdańska (Gdańsk Technical University) where he obtained a D.Sc. in Chemistry in 1949. Since 1950 he has lived in the Unites States where he has made major contributions to our understanding of molecular biology and genetics. His significant discoveries have had a major impact on our understanding of life processes and have contributed substantially to the development of therapeutics for a variety of diseases.

Od lewej Dr. Dariusz Konopka, prof. Wacław Szybalski, A. Pastula, Marek Skulimowski prezes KF.

Prof. Waclaw Szybalski w rozmowie z Markiem Skulimowskim, prezesem FK

In the picture: Prof. Wacław Szybalski receives the Grand Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta (Rebirth of Poland) from President of Poland Bronisław Komorowski in 2011 for his "extraordinary and distinguished service." Photo: Foundation Professor Wacław Szybalski

Dr. Dariusz Konopka, prezes Medicusa i prof. Wacław Szybalski - Honorary Member

Dr. Szybalski early showed signs of his remarkable creativity while still a student at the Politechnika Lwowska (1939-1944). There he devised a method of paper chromatography that found wide application. Soon after, in Denmark (1946-1949), he made important contributions by elucidating the kinetics of certain chemical reactions and by devising a simple method to prevent the corrosion of iron pipes caused by aerobic bacteria. His prolific research output in the United States began with genetic studies of drug resistance that led to the use of multi-drug therapy that is now widely used to treat bacterial infections, viral infections and cancer (1953-1956). His studies of the genetics of the antibiotic-producing soil microorganism, Streptomyces, yielded information that was useful in the commercial production of streptomycin, an effective therapeutic for treating tuberculosis.

Past Event at KF - The KF Collegium of Eminent Scientists Series' Presents: A meeting with Prof. Waclaw Szybalski - The Essence of Life