2009 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine

Elizabeth Blackburn, professor emeritus in the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics at UC San Francisco, received the 2009 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.

Her research on telomeres, tiny units of DNA that seal off the ends of chromosomes, led to her co-discovery of telomerase. This enzyme plays a pivotal role in cell function, and could underlie a range of degenerative conditions from aging to cancer.

Learn more about her groundbreaking work and UCSF's history in Nobel-winning discoveries in the stories below.

Elizabeth Blackburn in her lab

UCSF’s Elizabeth Blackburn Receives Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine

Elizabeth Blackburn in her home

Blackburn Gets Personal, Reflects on Path Leading Up to Nobel Prize

Blackburn giving a speech

UCSF's Elizabeth Blackburn Delivers Nobel Lecture

Campus members raising champagne flutes with Elizabeth Blackburn

Campus Applauds Fourth Nobel Prize-Winning Scientist

Members of Blackburn's lab

In Wake of Nobel Prize, Members of Blackburn Lab Reflect on an Unforgettable Day

Nobel Prize medal

UCSF Nobel Award Winners

More Coverage

​​​Blackburn’s Nobel Win Earns Praise from Political Leaders

Blackburn Receives Nobel Prize at Spectacular Ceremony

Blackburn Talks about Value of Basic Science at Nobel Banquet

Blackburn to Receive Nobel Prize

Colleagues Commend Blackburn’s Nobel Prize-Winning Research

Telomeres and the Remarkable Telomerase Enzyme