The protein crystallisation influencer

A portrait of Naomi Chayen

Source: Courtesy of Naomi Chayen

Naomi Chayen discusses her career manipulating phase diagrams to produce high-quality protein crystals

Serendipity plays a significant role in scientific discovery and, indeed, in almost every research career. Had it not been for a funding crunch as a postdoc, Naomi Chayen might well be enjoying a distinguished career in pharmacology. What began as an enforced change of direction led her into the completely different discipline that she has now made her own: protein crystallisation.