Christiane Nusslein-Volhard


#### Full Name and Common Aliases
Christiane Nüsslein-Volhard is a German biologist and geneticist, known for her pioneering work in developmental biology.

Birth and Death Dates


Born on October 20, 1942, she is still alive today.

Nationality and Profession(s)


German-born scientist specializing in developmental genetics.

Early Life and Background


Christiane Nüsslein-Volhard was born during World War II, in Magdeburg, Germany. Her family's experiences during this time had a lasting impact on her life and career. Growing up, she showed a strong interest in biology and the natural world. Encouraged by her parents, she pursued her passion for science at an early age.

Nüsslein-Volhard studied biology and chemistry at the University of Tübingen, where she earned her Ph.D. in 1974. Her research focused on developmental biology, specifically on the mechanisms controlling embryonic development in fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster).

Major Accomplishments


Her groundbreaking work has significantly advanced our understanding of developmental genetics and embryonic development. In 1983, she was awarded the Louisa Gross Horwitz Prize for Biology or Biochemistry by Columbia University, alongside Eric Wieschaus and Edward B. Lewis, for their discoveries on the genetic control of body pattern formation in Drosophila.

Notable Works or Actions


Nüsslein-Volhard's work has been instrumental in identifying genes responsible for embryonic development, particularly the "hedgehog" gene. This discovery revealed a crucial aspect of developmental biology and paved the way for further research into genetic mechanisms controlling embryogenesis.

In addition to her scientific contributions, Nüsslein-Volhard has been an advocate for women's rights and equality in science. She has spoken out on issues related to sexism and misogyny within the academic community.

Impact and Legacy


Christiane Nüsslein-Volhard is widely recognized as a leading figure in developmental biology. Her research has influenced generations of scientists and continues to shape our understanding of embryonic development and its genetic basis.

Nüsslein-Volhard's dedication to promoting women's participation in science and her outspoken stance against sexism have made her a role model for aspiring female scientists around the world.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered


Christiane Nüsslein-Volhard is widely quoted and remembered due to her trailblazing work in developmental genetics, as well as her commitment to promoting women's roles in science. Her groundbreaking discoveries have far-reaching implications for our understanding of embryonic development, and her contributions continue to inspire new generations of scientists.

Her unwavering dedication to equality and justice within the scientific community has made a lasting impact on those who follow in her footsteps. As an influential figure in both developmental biology and women's rights, Christiane Nüsslein-Volhard remains an important name in the world of science today.

Quotes by Christiane Nusslein-Volhard

Christiane Nusslein-Volhard's insights on:

Everyone thinks I must have been an ace in school. But I didn’t work hard, I was lazy. I liked to be lazy. I thought laziness stimulated your imagination.
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Everyone thinks I must have been an ace in school. But I didn’t work hard, I was lazy. I liked to be lazy. I thought laziness stimulated your imagination.
I was always trying to look modest and natural. I don’t like women who come into the lab and you see immediately that it took them two hours to dress in the morning.
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I was always trying to look modest and natural. I don’t like women who come into the lab and you see immediately that it took them two hours to dress in the morning.
I think women who are pretty certainly have an advantage in any field, in any profession. When a girl is born people still say: Oh, I’m glad that she is pretty. They don’t look at whether she is intelligent.
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I think women who are pretty certainly have an advantage in any field, in any profession. When a girl is born people still say: Oh, I’m glad that she is pretty. They don’t look at whether she is intelligent.
I know labs where women refuse to make a coffee for others because they don’t want to be seen doing seemingly female things. I think this is stupid. Why not make a coffee, bring a cake? I do it.
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I know labs where women refuse to make a coffee for others because they don’t want to be seen doing seemingly female things. I think this is stupid. Why not make a coffee, bring a cake? I do it.
I think there are profound differences between women and men. In intelligence and creativity, there is no difference, but in what one loves, what one likes, the passions – there are differences.
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I think there are profound differences between women and men. In intelligence and creativity, there is no difference, but in what one loves, what one likes, the passions – there are differences.
The pressure on kids is high to get good grades. In my time, no one cared about it. My father looked at them but he didn’t really make much fuss about them.
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The pressure on kids is high to get good grades. In my time, no one cared about it. My father looked at them but he didn’t really make much fuss about them.
In my age group I don’t know a single woman who is as successful as I am. I am the total exception. You can be very proud of it. But you are also very isolated.
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In my age group I don’t know a single woman who is as successful as I am. I am the total exception. You can be very proud of it. But you are also very isolated.
I am often asked why there is discrimination against women in science. And I have given it some thought. With prejudicial attitudes, you can't really do much. You can point out when people discriminate and ask them not to.
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I am often asked why there is discrimination against women in science. And I have given it some thought. With prejudicial attitudes, you can't really do much. You can point out when people discriminate and ask them not to.
Successful women are not liked. I think the biggest danger for women in science is colleagues who are not as good as you are.
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Successful women are not liked. I think the biggest danger for women in science is colleagues who are not as good as you are.
In mathematics and science, there is no difference in the intelligence of men and women. The difference in genes between men and women is simply the Y chromosome, which has nothing to do with intelligence.
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In mathematics and science, there is no difference in the intelligence of men and women. The difference in genes between men and women is simply the Y chromosome, which has nothing to do with intelligence.
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