Michael Houghton
Early Life and Education
Michael Houghton was born in the United Kingdom. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences from the University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK, in 1972. He then went on to earn his Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the King's College London, UK, in 1977.
Career and Research
After completing his Ph.D., Houghton joined the Salk Institute in San Diego, California, where he conducted postdoctoral research. He then moved to the pharmaceutical company Chiron Corporation, where he led the research team that discovered Hepatitis C virus (HCV) in 1989.
Houghton's research has primarily focused on virology, specifically the study of hepatitis viruses. His work has led to significant advancements in the understanding of Hepatitis C and its treatment. He developed a blood test for HCV, which has essentially eliminated post-transfusion hepatitis in many parts of the world.
In 2013, Houghton joined the University of Alberta as a Canada Excellence Research Chair in Virology and the Director of the Li Ka Shing Applied Virology Institute.
Achievements and Honours
Houghton's contributions to the field of virology have been recognized with numerous awards and honours. In 2000, he received the Lasker Clinical Medical Research Award for his work on Hepatitis C. In 2020, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine along with Harvey J. Alter and Charles M. Rice for the discovery of Hepatitis C virus.
Personal Life
Houghton is married and has two children. He is known for his passion for science and his dedication to his research. He is also an advocate for increased funding for scientific research and the importance of science in society.