In December, Profiles in Science, in collaboration with the Library of Congress, added an extensive selection from the papers of biochemist and science advocate Maxine Frank Singer, PhD. Her work helped to decipher the genetic code and lead to an understanding of the synthesis and structure of RNA and DNA, the chemical elements of heredity.

Throughout her nearly 60-year career, Singer championed the cause of women and minorities in science and built innovative programs to improve science education. In the 1970s, she also took a leading role in devising safety guidelines for the controversial new technology of recombinant DNA.

Maxine Singer has been an inspiring leader in research and in public discourse over the ethical and political responsibilities of scientists,” commented NLM Director Donald A.B. Lindberg, MD.

The Singer papers bring to 25 the number of prominent researchers, public health officials, and promoters of medical research whose personal and professional records are featured on Profiles in Science.