About this Collection

Marshall W. Nirenberg (1927-2010) was an American biochemist who shared the 1968 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his work on deciphering the genetic code. The National Library of Medicine is the repository for the Marshall W. Nirenberg Papers, which range from 1937 to 2003. The collection contains laboratory notebooks, scientific diaries, research reports, charts, illustrations, published articles, correspondence, unpublished manuscripts, speeches, news clippings, laboratory slides and films, and audiovisual materials.

As part of its Profiles in Science project, the National Library of Medicine has made available online a digitized selection of the Marshall W. Nirenberg Papers. This website provides access to the portions of the Marshall W. Nirenberg Papers that are now publicly available. Individuals interested in conducting research using the full collection of Marshall W. Nirenberg Papers should contact the National Library of Medicine.

This Profile is designed to introduce you to the various phases of Nirenberg's scientific career and professional life. Narrative sections available from the navigation bar under "The Story" focus on Nirenberg's life and major scientific contributions.

Researchers can search the digitized items using the Search box or browse all Documents and Visuals in the collection by selecting "Collection Items" from the navigation bar.