University of Zurich professor recognized with 2015 Vallee Young Investigator Award

Martin Jinek, a professor at the University of Zurich's Department of Biochemistry, was presented with the 2015 Vallee Young Investigator Award. The international prize is awarded to young researchers for outstanding achievements in biomedicine and carries USD 250,000 in prize money.

Professor Martin Jinek's main research interest is a sophisticated bacterial mechanism known as the CRISPR system that has recently been developed into a powerful genetic engineering technology. His latest research work revealed precisely how the system works and which components are involved, right down to atomic level. These findings open up new possibilities for a targeted application in gene therapy to cure hereditary diseases.

35-year-old Martin Jinek studied at the University of Cambridge, and obtained a doctorate in Heidelberg, Germany. Following several years of postdoctoral research work in Berkeley, California, he joined the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Zurich two years ago.

Professor Jinek's successful research has already been recognized with publications in renowned journals and various prizes. In 2013, for instance, he received a prestigious Starting Grant from the European Research Council (ERC), as well as the 2014 John Kendrew Award from the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) in Heidelberg. In addition, Professor Jinek was awarded this year's Friedrich Miescher Prize - one of Switzerland's highest accolades for young investigators.