Our Story
After 35 years of dedicated work, Dorothy Hodgkin successfully determined the structure of insulin using X-ray crystallography. This technique had earned her the Nobel Prize in Chemistry a few years earlier, making her the third woman to ever receive this prestigious award.
Building on Hodgkin’s foundational work, scientists at Genentech utilized recombinant DNA technology to produce the first synthetic human insulin. This breakthrough was further developed in collaboration with Eli Lilly and resulted in the creation of Humulin.
Humulin became the first recombinant DNA drug to be approved by the FDA, providing an alternative to animal-derived insulin, which faced supply limitations and could cause immune reactions. It has since saved millions of diabetics' lives worldwide. This breakthrough marked the beginning of biotechnology as we know it — i.e. harnessing the power of life sciences for the benefit of humanity.
Since Hodgkin’s discovery, Oxford University has remained a leader in biotechnology, contributing numerous patents, spinouts, and discoveries that have shaped the industry. It was against this backdrop of scientific excellence that the Oxford University Biotech Society was founded. OUBT was established with a clear mission: to connect the brightest minds in biotechnology, foster collaboration, and drive forward the next wave of biotech breakthroughs.
Looking Back
In 2024, OUBT underwent a major restructuring. A key element of this transformation is our logo, which features the Oxford University crown within a six-fold symmetrical structure inspired by Dorothy Hodgkin’s sketches of the insulin crystal lattice. This design connects us to our roots, highlighting Oxford University’s prominent role in biotech innovation throughout history.
As we enter the 2024-2025 academic year, biotechnology is experiencing unprecedented advancements, including the advent of AI, breakthroughs in gene editing technologies, and the rise of personalized medicine. OUBT is here to ride this wave of innovation and lead the charge into this new era. We hope you will join us on this exciting journey.