Citation | Educated at school and university in Manchester, where he gained a PhD, Ralph Kohn did postdoctoral work in New York and Rome with Ernst Chain, before working as a scientist in the pharmaceutical industry. He established his own company in 1970 in the UK - well ahead of current trends, pioneering drug related research and clinical development; his was the first company to provide a comprehensive range of services to industry. His company received the Queen's Award for Industry in 1990, for its successes in the clinical assessment of drugs, especially for osteoporosis. The Kohn Foundation, established in 1991 and funded by himself, his family and his company, supports work in scientific and medical research and innovation, the arts, education and humanitarian aid. It specialises, however, in his two great passions: science and music. He has been generous in support of the Osteoporosis Society, the Royal Institution, the Royal College of Physicians, British Museum, Vega Science Trust and many other scientific initiatives and institutions. His substantial support of the Royal Society includes the Kohn Centre (which effectively initiated the premises' refurbishment) and a major grant to establish our Science in Society Programme (which is frequently cited and a trailblazer in this field). He has also been active in endowing substantial prizes in recognition of younger scientists and musicians. In all this activity in the furtherance of science and innovation, Ralph Kohn has successfully walked the tightrope of thoughtful and enthusiastic engagement, whilst remaining 'hands off' in the implementation of the programmes he has initiated and endowed. |