IMB Turns 50

Founded in 1959, the IMB is one of the oldest institutes of its kind in the world. Its purpose is to investigate biological questions at the molecular level by bringing together researchers from biology, chemistry and physics. These diverse scientific approaches create a rich research environment and also provide exceptional training for young scientists.

The October 24 birthday party will include a day-long symposium featuring 17 distinguished undergraduate and graduate alumni who were affiliated with IMB during their time at UO and who have gone on to conduct significant research as independent investigators at other institutions throughout the U.S. and Canada. In addition, current and former IMB faculty members will be on hand to introduce speakers and provide reflections on the importance of the institute in their lives.

One of those faculty members — Frank Stahl — is also writing a special look-back at the early years of the IMB, which will appear in the fall issue of the biology department newsletter. Stahl, who retired in 2005, inspired generations of young scientists in the 46 years he was affiliated with the institute. He was hired by the UO in 1959 — the same year the IMB was established — and is considered one of the four “founding fathers” of the IMB.

What: Institute of Molecular Biology 50th Birthday Party
When: October 24, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Where: 100 Willamette Hall, UO campus

This event is free and open to the public. For details, visit molbio.uoregon.edu/IMB50. Watch for find Frank Stahl’s article on the biology web site (biology.uoregon.edu) later this fall.