Dr. Elena Notarianni graduated in Biochemistry from Oxford University, and gained a PhD in Virology from Glasgow University. She then joined Professor Evans's laboratory in Cambridge University, and derived ES cells from ungulate species. This work lead to the recognition that ES cells from ungulates differ from those of the mouse in their growth and morphology, as was shown subsequently also for human ES cells. Elena Notarianni continues to work on techniques for ES cell isolation, and on mechanisms of differentiation.
Professor Sir Martin Evans graduated from Cambridge University, and gained a PhD at University College, London. Studying teratocarcinoma stem cells of the mouse he was the first person to successfully maintain these cells in culture so that their ability to differentiate was indefinitely retained. Together with Matt Kaufman, he was able to isolate the equivalent cells from mouse embryos, so-called embryonic stem (ES) cells: a landmark achievement in the field. Foundations for the nascent ES cell-based technologies were then rapidly established in his laboratory. Martin Evans is a Fellow of the Royal Society and a founder Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences; and has received many awards in recognition of his contribution as a principle originator of ES-cell research.