Leiden University honours Lex van der Eb with University Medal
Leiden University has awarded its prestigious University Medal to Emeritus Professor Lex van der Eb. As a pioneer in genetics and molecular biology, he received this honour for his services to science and his key role in the development of the Leiden Bio Science Park (LBSP).
Lex van der Eb (16 January 1934, Dutch East Indies) has an impressive career behind him. Together with Canadian researcher Frank Graham, he developed a groundbreaking method to insert foreign DNA into a cell. This led to the creation of the HEK293 cell line, an essential basis for genetics and cell biology today.
Backbone of vaccines
In 1995, Van der Eb played a pivotal role in the development of the PER.C6 cell line, together with his former PhD candidate Dinko Valerio. This cell line was patented and commercialised and is now the backbone of vaccines against diseases such as Ebola, Zika, HIV and COVID-19. His innovations directly contributed to the establishment and growth of the LBSP, which recently celebrated its 40th anniversary.
Scientific couple
During the special ceremony, those present reflected on the role and work of Titia van der Eb-Brongersma, Lex van der Eb’s wife. A biologist herself, she had to stop her PhD research because of rules for married women. Van der Eb has previously calle this the biggest mistake in his life. If they had ‘shacked up’ together, Titia would not have been dismissed and would have been able to complete her PhD research. Despite what happened, she played an essential role in her husband’s scientific career and in various university activities.
Leiden on the map
Lex van der Eb’s discoveries and innovations not only helped advance science but also led to life-saving vaccines and therapies. His work remains a source of inspiration for young researchers and put Leiden on the map as an international centre for biotechnology and life sciences.
Lex van der Eb was nominated for the University Medal by Martine Jager, Emeritus Professor of Ophthalmology. The inscription on the medal is ‘Honos praemium virtutis’ or ‘honour is the reward for virtue’.
Met de toekenning van de Universiteitspenning benadrukt de Universiteit Leiden het belang van visionair onderzoek en de impact die individuele wetenschappers hebben op zowel de maatschappij als de academische wereld.
With its University Medal, Leiden University emphasises the importance of visionary research and the impact that individual researchers have on both society and the academic world.
Photo: Emeritus Professor Lex van der Eb (standing) receives the University Medal from Erwin Muller (right) in the Academy Building. Next to Van der Eb is his wife Titia van der Eb. Credit: Taco van der Eb