Dame Anne McLaren, born in 1927 in London, was a renowned zoologist and pioneer of embryo transfer technology. As one of the first female scientists to become a Fellow of the Royal Society, she was considered one of the most influential scientists in her field. McLaren’s work in reproductive biology was groundbreaking, leading to the development of successful cloning techniques and other advances. Her research on embryos made her an expert in fertility and she authored or co-authored over 200 scientific articles during her career. In this blog post, we will explore her amazing accomplishments and lasting legacy.

Early life and education

Dame Anne McLaren was born on April 26, 1927 in London, England. She was the only child of Margaret and Maurice McLaren. Her father was a civil servant and her mother was a housewife.Anne McLaren received her primary education at Putney High School and later attended St Paul’s Girls’ School. In 1945, she entered Girton College, Cambridge where she studied natural sciences. After completing her undergraduate studies, she stayed on at Girton to do research in zoology under the supervision of JD Bernal.McLaren graduated from Cambridge with a PhD in zoology in 1950.

Research career

After reading about Dame Anne McLaren’s career, it is evident that research was her passion. She always aimed to be at the forefront of scientific discoveries, which led her to make many significant contributions during her lifetime.

Dame Anne McLaren began her academic career at the University of Cambridge, where she studied natural sciences. She went on to complete a PhD in zoology at the University of Edinburgh. Her research career then took her to the Institute for Animal Genetics in Edinburgh, where she worked on genetic defects in mice.

It was during her time at the Institute for Animal Genetics that Dame Anne McLaren made her most important discovery: the role of DNA in determining sex. This discovery revolutionised our understanding of genetics and has had far-reaching implications for medical science. Dame Anne McLaren continued to make significant contributions to scientific knowledge throughout her career, cementing her reputation as one of the world’s leading scientists.

Personal life

Dame Anne McLaren was born in London on April 27, 1927. Her parents were both doctors, and she was educated at St Paul’s Girls’ School and Somerville College, Oxford. She married Donald Michie in 1948, with whom she had three children.

After her husband’s death in 2007, Dame Anne moved to Cambridge, where she died on July 7, 2018.

Later life and death

In later life, Dame Anne McLaren continued her work as a scientist and also became involved in public engagement with science. She was a member of the Science Policy Group at the Institute of Physics and was a Trustee of the Natural History Museum. In retirement, she remained an active member of numerous scientific committees and advisory boards. Dame Anne McLaren died on 7 July 2007, aged 80.

Legacy

Anne McLaren was a British biologist who made significant contributions to developmental biology. She was also one of the first female scientists to be elected to the Royal Society.

McLaren’s work on mammalian development helped to establish the field of developmental biology. She also made important discoveries about early embryonic development and birth defects. McLaren’s work on in vitro fertilization led to the birth of the first test-tube baby in 1978.

In addition to her scientific achievements, Anne McLaren was also a passionate advocate for women in science. She co-founded the group Women in Science and Engineering, and she served on the Executive Committee of the European Community’s Conference of Ministers Responsible for Research and Technology.

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