02/09/2026
We’re incredibly proud that Nobel Prize-winning scientist Oliver Smithies was a former pupil of Heath Grammar School, and it’s a real privilege to now be helping with a special project to uncover more about his early years here in Halifax.
We are working with Dr John Krege, a professor in the US who was a close personal friend, long-time admirer and colleague of Oliver’s. John is currently writing a book about Oliver’s extraordinary life and scientific achievements and would love to build a clearer picture of his formative years at Heath.
Oliver went on to become one of the world’s most influential geneticists. He pioneered techniques that transformed the study of genetics, including gene targeting in mice, and in 2007 was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for discoveries that enabled specific gene modifications in mice. He also co-authored more than 350 research papers and continued working in his laboratory well into his eighties.
But before all of that, he was a Halifax schoolboy with a fascination for science, radios and telescopes.
We’re currently searching our own archives for photographs, records and other material from Oliver’s time at Heath, but we’d love the help of our wider community too.
Did you know Oliver? Do you have any memories, stories, photographs, school reports or other material relating to his time here? Or perhaps you’re a member of Oliver’s family or knew him later in life and would be interested in speaking with John?
If you can help in any way, we would be incredibly grateful. Please email: [email protected]. Thank you!
