A Camelot of the Biomedical Sciences: The Story of the Roche Institute of Molecular Biology

This outstanding book is about outstanding scientists and about:- mysteries of Life: genes, DNA, RNA;-family life and business life;- birth and death of pioneering science that produced projects and more life mysteries;-small start-ups and huge centers in the US and world.It is for scientists, and for "everyday" persons. The “Nutley” story is a “page turner” – learning about the process of taking a big risk to put together what turned out to be an excellent world-renown independent scientific research center and then yielding all the incredible discoveries. Congratulations to the authors and all amazing scientists.Lilian Rosenbaum, LCSW-, Ph.D., Clinical Associate Professor, Georgetown University Medical School, Department of Psychiatry, 1970 - Present

As an Associate Member of the Department of Cell Biology from 1973-1987 I was pleased to see Herb Weissbach's wonderful and touching memorial to the Roche Institute. For all of us, the RIMB represented the ideal research environment. As Herb said to me during my first week there, they had removed any impediments such that if you if you could not do research here perhaps you should consider a change in career. The quality of the senior members was an inspiration and through their example and in some cases, mentorship, I became a scientist. Herb does a wonderful job in evoking the spirit and quality of the staff as well as celebrating their accomplishments. We are unlikely to see another like it anytime soon.

For those of us who have been fortunate enough to have worked at the Roche Institute of Molecular Biology, this book provides a behind the scenes look into how the 'Tute' came into existence, the philosophy it was built on and the outstanding scientific staff who ventured into a brave new world of scientific discovery under the umbrella of large Pharma. The backstories of the founders, their scientific accomplishments before, during and after their tenures at the Institute speak volumes to the unique 'Camelot' provided by Hoffmann-La Roche at this one-of-a-kind facility. Though it's physical existence was only three decades, it's scientific impact will be felt for decades to come! Tim C

I enjoyed learning how RIMB was developed and the history behind the key players. It was interesting and engaging. I highly recommend it. Review by Janet