Richard A. Lerner: Memories and Reflections

Abstract

Richard Lerner was a singularity. During his tenure, Scripps Research was transformed into a biomedical powerhouse. He rapidly built remarkable strength in chemical and structural biology, immunology, cell and molecular biology, and molecular medicine. Not to stop there, he also instituted a new graduate program that consistently ranked in the top ten in the US. At the same time, he was a prolific author of scientific papers, which poured out of his own laboratory with colleagues at Scripps Research and collaborators throughout the world. These and many other aspects of his brilliant career and contributions are well documented and discussed elsewhere.

Here I chose to avoid redundancy and focus instead on a few of the personal encounters, which give some sense of Richard's character and spirit. An essential part of Richard's success was his wife Nicola (Nicky), herself an MD, who worked tirelessly to enable him to achieve what he did. Early on, my wife Cleo and Nicky became close friends. This relationship facilitated social occasions, where we would be with the Lerner's at a dinner or event, sometimes at our home or at theirs, but also with guests at various restaurants in La Jolla. As a result, my understanding of Richard was broadened beyond that received from the many discussions and meetings at Scripps Research. This understanding was helpful during those times when we faced serious challenges and he, like all of us when under stress, needed support.

In what is written below, I have used plain language to relate some of my memories and reflections. Richard was a friend and colleague and taught me much, especially the power of a vision, of belief in that vision and of the will to make the effort to bring it to pass.