Raymond Schofield, aged 98, honoured with 2024 Wiley Prize for Excellence in Biomedical Sciences
Dr Raymond Schofield has been honoured with the 22nd annual Wiley Prize in Biomedical Sciences, alongside Judith Kimble and Allan Spradling, for their groundbreaking discovery of the stem cell niche. This niche, a specialised environment that controls the identity of stem cells, was first proposed by Raymond in 1978. The prestigious award, first established in 2002, recognises contributions that have opened new avenues of research in the field of biomedical sciences.
Raymond, who is nearing his 99th birthday, conducted his seminal work at the Paterson Laboratories in Manchester, where he worked with notable researchers such as Mike Dexter and Brian Lord. Brian, a close friend and colleague of Ray, sadly passed away in 2021. Despite his advanced age, Raymond continues to reside in West Wales, where he ‘retired’ to become a farmer after leaving the Paterson Laboratories in 1985.
The Wiley Prize, which has a history of recipients going on to win Nobel Prizes, acknowledges the significant impact of research in the biomedical field. This year’s award ceremony will take place on 5th April 2024, although Ray will be unable to attend due to his age.
