Events
Michael Smith bronze portrait unveiled at Science World
On December 1, 2024, a bronze portrait of Dr. Michael Smith was unveiled in the Science World main lobby. The portrait honours his legacy in BC and across Canada, not just for his scientific discoveries, but for his impact on the field of science as a whole.
We were honoured to attend the unveiling to celebrate our founding Director and his extraordinary contributions.
The portrait, commissioned by STEMCELL Technologies, was made by Canadian sculptor Ruth Abernethy. Pictured with the portrait, from left to right, are: Tracy Redies (Science World), Dermot Kelleher (UBC), Victor Ling (BC Cancer, UBC), Ruth Abernethy (sculptor), Martin Hirst (UBC MSL), Mark MacLachlan (UBC), Allen Eaves (STEMCELL).
Michael Smith’s legacy, as inscribed on the plaque accompanying the portrait:
“In research, you really have to love and be committed to your work because things have more of a chance of going wrong than right. But, when things go right, there is nothing more exciting.” – Michael Smith
Dr. Michael Smith (1932 – 2000) was a distinguished and creative scientist, a humble man known for his humanity, and a Nobel laureate. He gave generously to the people of Canada and the world with his message about the importance of science to our lives. Michael was a natural leader who rose from humble beginnings to scientific greatness without losing touch with his roots.
Michael completed his PhD in 1956 at the University of Manchester, followed by his postdoctoral studies at the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Gobind Khorana’s laboratory at the BC Research Council. Michael later built his own research program in the Department of Biochemistry in the Faculty of Medicine.
When the Biotechnology Laboratory (now called the Michael Smith Laboratories) first opened in 1987, Michael became the director to help with the creation of this interdisciplinary research unit by recruiting leading biomedical and biotechnical researchers. In 1999, as founding director with the goal of developing a genomics centre in BC, he established the Genome Sequencing Centre (now called Canada’s Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre).
Michael received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1993 for his work on site-directed mutagenesis. This technique allows scientists to make precise and targeted changes to DNA, enabling the intentional study of genetic mutations and their effects. His innovation amplified research aimed at understanding how naturally occurring genetic mutations drive rare diseases and cancers. Michael’s breakthrough provided a tool to study fundamental processes which contributed significantly towards where the field is today.
Part of Michael’s legacy was his commitment to championing the field of science. Michael donated all of his Nobel Prize winnings to three places: Science World, the Society for Canadian Women in Science and Technology (SCWIST), and severely underfunded researchers studying the genetics of schizophrenia, a widespread mental disorder. Michael used his Nobel Prize winner platform to advocate for funding and recognition of biomedical and genomics research in Canada.
Michael was willing to take risks in his research because he knew the impact it would have on society. His legacy lives on through BC’s biotechnology industries, research institutes and centres, and funding organizations that make BC one of the world’s leading biotechnology hubs.