John Gurdon, pioneer of cloning, passes away at age 92

In the United Kingdom, John Gurdon, renowned as the father of cloning, passed away at the age of 92 on October 10, 2025. Gurdon, a prominent figure in the field of developmental biology, made significant contributions through his pioneering research on nuclear transfer in frogs, which addressed critical questions regarding genetic information retention during development. His work laid the foundation for many advancements in biomedical research, particularly in areas such as stem cell biology and in-vitro fertilization. The announcement of his death was made by the Gurdon Institute, which he co-founded in 1991, although no specific cause of death was disclosed. Born in 1933 in Hampshire, Britain, Gurdon’s revolutionary research demonstrated that adult cell nuclei could be reprogrammed to create entirely new organisms. Although he was not the inventor of the nuclear transfer technique, his advancements were pivotal, demonstrating its application through animal models. At Oxford University during his graduate studies in 1962, Gurdon successfully executed the transfer of a tadpole intestine cell nucleus into a fertilized frog egg cell, resulting in a new frog, significantly contributing to the technology needed for cloning. Gurdon's groundbreaking work earned him the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2012, an honor he shared with Japanese researcher Shinya Yamanaka, whose research also explored the genetic reprogramming of cells. The collaborative efforts stemming from their work initiated a global endeavor to identify chemical signals responsible for this genetic reprogramming, ultimately leading to innovative approaches for generating pluripotent cells, which can develop into various types of cells for treating human diseases. As an integral part of the scientific community, Gurdon was recognized not only for his scientific contributions but also as a dedicated mentor and colleague. Following his passing, tributes poured in from fellow scientists and institutions, underscoring the profound impact he had on developmental biology. His legacy continues through the generations of researchers he trained, ensuring that his influence on science and education will endure well into the future.