“Acceptance Speech” Frontiers of Knowledge Award 2023 in Biology and Biomedicine

Acceptance speech by Arthur Horwich, winner of the 2023 Frontiers of Knowledge Award in Biology and Biomedicine, who was honored alongside F. Ulrich Hartl, Kazutoshi Mori and Peter Walter for their discoveries on the cellular mechanisms that control protein biogenesis and degradation. Horwich and Hartl identified the essential role of molecular chaperones in ensuring that proteins fold correctly inside cells.

Horwich explains how he and his collaborators discovered a molecular machine capable of preventing misfolded proteins from aggregating and helping them acquire their functional structure. He describes the mechanism by which proteins are encapsulated in a chamber that enables them to fold correctly, highlighting the complexity and efficiency of this natural process. He also acknowledges the importance of his mentors, collaborators and family throughout his scientific career.