Oral Histories

Interview of Ronald A. Milligan

Subtitle:
Pew Scholar in the Biomedical Sciences: Ronald A. Milligan
Series:
Pew Scholars Program in the Biomedical Sciences
Topic:
Science, Medicine, and Technology
Interviewer:
Hathaway, Neil D.
Interviewee:
Milligan, Ronald A.
Supporting Documents:
Records relating to the interview are located in the office of the UCLA Library's Center for Oral History Research.
Language:
English
Copyright:
Regents of the University of California, UCLA Library.
Series Statement:
Interviews in this series, sponsored by the Pew Charitable Trusts, document the research of "outstanding scientists from quality institutions" chosen by the Pew Scholars Program to receive four-year stipends.
Abstract:
Childhood in Northern Ireland; the Irish educational system; religious conflict in Northern Ireland; attends University of Leeds; decision to become a research scientist; majors in plant science and microbiology; works as a research assistant at the Nuffield Institute of Comparative Medicine in London and at the Medical Research Council (MRC) Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge; administrative style and structure of MRC; electron microscopy; ribosome crystallization; P. N. T. Unwin; image processing of the nuclear pore complex (NPC); Milligan sets up a new laboratory with Unwin at Stanford University and earns his doctorate there; studies cryo-electron microscopy; how seeking grants fosters "safe science"; techniques for freezing specimens; methods of enhancing imaging; structure of the NPC; strategies of scientific publishing; Jenny E. Hinshaw; Paula F. Flicker; the discovery of new myosins; cell biology conferences; sets up lab at Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California; microtubule dynamics; importance of working in the mainstream of scientific research; ties to Johnson and Johnson pharmaceutical company; the Scripps administration.