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91��ܽ is excited to announce Nobel Prize winner Thomas Cech as its first President’s Distinguished Visiting Scholar.

The pioneering chemist has made significant contributions to our understanding of fundamental biology, particularly RNA and telomeres, over the course of several decades.

In 1989, Cech received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, jointly with Sidney Altman, “for their discovery of catalytic properties of RNA.”

Starting in the fall, students will get to learn directly from Cech as he co-teaches Molecular Biology and Biochemistry with Dheva Setiaputra. He will also interact with faculty members, providing advice and mentorship.

“I am delighted to welcome Tom Cech to SFU and the Faculty of Science,” says Angela-Brooks Wilson, dean of science. “He is a pioneer and leader in the RNA field, and made pivotal contributions to the understanding of the catalytic and functional capabilities of RNA molecules, for which he has received many scientific accolades. 

“Cech is also a true scientist, who revels in the process of investigation and discovery. I know he enjoys talking with other faculty members and scientists about current research, and I am thrilled that our SFU faculty members, graduate students and undergraduate students will have a chance to talk science directly with him.”  

Cech will be visiting SFU for two weeks as President’s Distinguished Visiting Scholar, which recognizes academics who have been trailblazers in their field.  

“I’m very much looking forward to starting my Visiting Scholar position at SFU in September,” says Cech. “My motivation has three parts. First, I enjoy teaching, and I look forward to sharing with your students my 45 years of knowledge about my favorite molecule, RNA. No longer just the passive child of its DNA parent, RNA has come out of the shadows in the 21st century as having a multitude of active roles in living organisms.

“Second, while I’ve enjoyed numerous short visits to scientists all over the world, this is a chance to immerse myself in another country’s science and learn what we have in common and how our differences can help us learn. Strengthening relationships with Canada, the close neighbour and good friend of U.S. scientists, is particularly important to me.

“Finally, I love the Pacific Northwest. We have great mountains in my home state of Colorado, but no ocean. The way that the mountains meet the ocean in Vancouver is thrilling. I’m very excited to spend some time with new colleagues and students in your spectacular natural setting.”

As SFU’s reputation for research and innovation grows, leading scholars are increasingly looking to collaborate and share expertise with students, faculty and staff. The position was created to enable distinguished scholars to spend time here at SFU.

“As a leading research university, we are proud that 91��ܽ home to so many scholars who are trailblazers in their field,” says SFU president Joy Johnson.

“Cech’s work and legacy has significantly advanced our human understanding of fundamental biology, and we are honoured that he will be our inaugural President’s Distinguished Visiting Scholar. I cannot wait to learn from him, and to see the expertise and experience he will bring to the SFU community.”