Berkeley Talks: For Nobel laureate Randy Schekman, it all began with pond scum and a toy microscope

Introduction

Follow Berkeley Talks, a Berkeley News podcast that features lectures and conversations across UC Berkeley. This episode focuses on Nobel laureate Randy Schekman, a distinguished UC Berkeley professor of molecular and cell biology, whose scientific journey began with simple curiosity and a toy microscope.

Randy Schekman’s Early Inspiration

Randy Schekman recalls how his fascination with science started as a child examining pond scum under a toy microscope. That early spark of wonder later guided him toward a groundbreaking career in cell biology and molecular genetics.

“I didn’t come from a scientific family,” said Schekman. “But I loved to ask questions about how things work.”

His curiosity led him to explore the mechanisms behind how cells organize and transport materials—an area that ultimately earned him a Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2013.

Academic Path and Achievements

At UC Berkeley, Schekman’s research has focused on understanding how proteins are packaged and delivered within cells. His discoveries helped reveal key processes in the secretory pathway, a fundamental system in cellular biology. Alongside James Rothman and Thomas Südhof, he received the Nobel Prize for uncovering how vesicles transport molecules within cells, ensuring precise communication and function.

Reflections on Mentorship and Discovery

Schekman emphasizes the importance of mentorship and the value of collaborative discovery in science.

“Science is not done in isolation,” he noted. “It thrives on collaboration, creativity, and persistence.”

He also speaks about encouraging young scientists to pursue unanswered questions, no matter how basic or obscure they may seem—advice rooted in his own experiences studying yeast cells and model organisms.

Continuing Legacy

Even after receiving the Nobel Prize, Schekman remains deeply engaged in research and education at Berkeley. He promotes openness in scientific publishing and advocates for access to research knowledge without paywalls. Through his work, he has become a prominent voice calling for ethical and transparent scientific dissemination.

“Knowledge belongs to everyone,” Schekman says, highlighting his commitment to open science initiatives.

Author Summary

Randy Schekman’s lifelong curiosity—from pond scum to Nobel Prize—embodies how wonder and persistence drive discovery and shape modern biology.

Berkeley News — 2025-11-28