Aziz Sancar

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Aziz Sancar
Sancar in 2015
Aziz Sancar
Born9/8/1946
BirthplaceSavur, Mardin, Turkey
NationalityTurkish, American
OccupationMolecular biologist, biochemist, professor
TitleSarah Graham Kenan Professor of Biochemistry and Biophysics
EmployerUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Known forDNA repair mechanisms, nucleotide excision repair, photolyase, circadian clock research
EducationPhD, University of Texas at Dallas (1977)
AwardsNobel Prize in Chemistry (2015), TÜBİTAK Science Award (1995), Vehbi Koç Award (2007)
Websitesancar.org

Aziz Sancar (Template:IPA-tr; born 8 September 1946) is a Turkish-American molecular biologist and biochemist. His research on DNA repair mechanisms earned him the 2015 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, which he shared with Tomas Lindahl and Paul L. Modrich.[1] Born in Savur, a small town in southeastern Turkey, and raised in a large family without much money, Sancar's path from a rural village to the pinnacle of science is genuinely remarkable. He's the Sarah Graham Kenan Professor of Biochemistry and Biophysics at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine and a member of the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center.[2]

His research spans interconnected areas: photolyase enzymology, nucleotide excision repair in bacteria and humans, cell cycle checkpoints, and the circadian clock.[3] As of 2026, he continues leading an active research program at UNC. Recent work focuses on combination therapies for glioblastoma, the most aggressive brain cancer.[4] He co-founded the Aziz & Gwen Sancar Foundation, a nonprofit that promotes Turkish culture and helps Turkish students in the United States.[5]

Early Life

Born on 8 September 1946 in Savur, a small district town in Mardin Province in southeastern Turkey, Sancar grew up in a large family.[6] His background came to light in Turkish media after the Nobel win. His older brother, a retired general, described the family's humble origins and what life was like in Savur.[7] Relatives spoke with TRT Haber about the values and support that pushed him toward academic success.[8]

Growing up in southeastern Turkey meant limited schooling chances. But Sancar showed real promise from the start. He trained as a physician in Turkey, earning his MD from Istanbul University Faculty of Medicine.[6] After his medical degree, he worked briefly as a rural physician in Turkey. Then he made a crucial choice: pursue scientific research instead, a decision that ultimately brought him to the United States.[9]

The shift from practicing medicine in Turkey to earning a doctorate in molecular biology in America marked a turning point. Sancar has talked about how his upbringing in Savur shaped him, and the determination his family instilled. When he won the Nobel Prize in 2015, he said he was happiest for Turkey, his home country.[10]

Education

He earned his medical degree from Istanbul University Faculty of Medicine in Turkey.[6] After that, he came to the United States for graduate school in molecular biology. At the University of Texas at Dallas, he worked under Claud Stan Rupert, a leader in photoreactivation research.[9] His 1977 doctoral thesis was titled "A study on photoreactivating enzyme (DNA photolyase) of Escherichia coli," and it set up much of what he'd do later on DNA repair enzymes.[9]

In 2009, UT Dallas gave him a Distinguished Alumni Award to honor his scientific work and connection to the school.[11] In May 2025, he went back to UT Dallas for a 10th-anniversary celebration of his Nobel Prize. The School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics put on a special event in his honor.[12]

Career

Early Research and DNA Photolyase

His scientific career kicked off with doctoral work on photolyase, an enzyme that repairs ultraviolet light damage to DNA through photoreactivation. Working in Claud Stan Rupert's lab at UT Dallas, Sancar studied how the photoreactivating enzyme of Escherichia coli recognizes and fixes UV-damaged DNA, using visible light as its energy source.[9] This early work marked him as someone with serious skills in DNA repair enzymology, a field he'd spend his whole career on.

After his PhD in 1977, Sancar kept working in America and eventually joined the faculty at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He quickly fit into the intellectual community there. He fell in love with the university and the Chapel Hill community.[13]

Nucleotide Excision Repair

His most famous work concerns nucleotide excision repair (NER). This DNA repair pathway removes many different kinds of DNA lesions, especially those from UV radiation and certain cancer-causing chemicals. Working mainly with bacteria, Sancar and his team mapped out how the NER machinery in E. coli — involving UvrA, UvrB, and UvrC proteins — spots DNA damage, cuts out the damaged part, and restores the DNA double helix.[1]

This research was essential to understanding how cells protect their genetic material from the damage caused by environmental and internal threats. The molecular principles he found in bacterial NER turned out to be the same across species, including humans. His findings matter directly for understanding cancer and genetic disease.

The 2015 Nobel Prize in Chemistry recognized Sancar, Tomas Lindahl, and Paul Modrich for their "mechanistic studies of DNA repair."[1] The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences highlighted their collective work in revealing how cells repair damaged DNA to keep genomic integrity intact. Sancar's role in nucleotide excision repair was central to this achievement. UNC-Chapel Hill called it a milestone for the university and the wider research world.[1]

Circadian Clock Research

Beyond DNA repair, Sancar has made real contributions to circadian clock research. This is the internal biological system that syncs organisms' physiology with the 24-hour light-dark cycle. His UNC laboratory has studied the molecular pieces and logic of the mammalian circadian clock, including how clock genes and proteins work together to create circadian rhythms.[3]

His work in this space has looked at connections between DNA repair, the cell cycle, and the circadian clock. He's trying to understand how these systems coordinate at the molecular level. This cross-discipline approach has real implications for chronobiology and for time-dependent treatment methods in medicine, called chronotherapy.

Glioblastoma Research

Since 2025 and into 2026, Sancar's lab has been working on treating glioblastoma, the most aggressive and common malignant brain tumor in adults. In January 2026, UNC Health reported that research from Sancar's team showed a combination therapy could work against glioblastoma. The study looked at temozolomide (TMZ), a standard glioblastoma drug, combined with another agent, and found promise for better outcomes.[4]

The work involved the NC TraCS Institute's SLiCE project at UNC, which helped repurpose a lab chemical as a potential new brain tumor drug.[14] Sancar said he hopes these findings lead to better treatments for this terrible disease.[15]

Mentorship and Public Engagement

A decade past his Nobel Prize, Sancar still works hard on research and on mentoring the next generation. In October 2025, UNC noted that he "shows no signs of hanging up his lab coat."[16] UNC Health profiled his lasting impact, describing how he keeps pushing discovery forward while training younger scientists.[17]

In early 2026, Sancar and fellow UNC researcher Mark Peifer brought about 20 English as a second language students from Grady Brown Elementary School to visit the lab. It gave the kids hands-on exposure to a working research environment.[18]

Personal Life

He holds citizenship in both Turkey and the United States.[6] Married to Gwen Boles Sancar, also a biochemist and UNC professor, together they founded the Aziz & Gwen Sancar Foundation. The nonprofit promotes Turkish culture in the United States and helps Turkish students studying in America. They run the Carolina Türk Evi (Carolina Turkish House) in Chapel Hill, a cultural center.[5]

After winning the Nobel Prize in 2015, he donated his Nobel medal. In April 2016, UNC announced that both Sancar and fellow UNC Nobel laureate Oliver Smithies had donated their medals to the university.[19] In a separate ceremony, his medal went to the Anıtkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, in Turkey, with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan attending.[20]

He's always kept close ties to his Turkish heritage. The Nobel Prize became a source of national pride in Turkey, drawing lots of media attention.[10][21]

Recognition

Throughout his career, Sancar has earned many awards and honors that reflect the value of his contributions to molecular biology and biochemistry.

The 2015 Nobel Prize in Chemistry is his most prominent recognition, shared with Tomas Lindahl and Paul Modrich "for mechanistic studies of DNA repair."[1] International and Turkish media covered the announcement extensively.[6][21][22]

Before the Nobel Prize came the TÜBİTAK Science Award in 1995 from the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey, one of Turkey's top scientific honors.[23]

In 2007 came the Vehbi Koç Award, a major Turkish prize for outstanding work in science, education, or culture.[6]

He's an honorary member of the Turkish Academy of Sciences (TÜBA).[24] He was also elected a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.[25]

In 2009, UT Dallas honored him with the Distinguished Alumni Award.[11] In May 2025, he returned for the 10th-anniversary celebration of his Nobel Prize, receiving more recognition from the university.[12]

The News & Observer of Raleigh, North Carolina, covered his Nobel Prize as a major local story, reflecting his standing in the Triangle research community.[26]

Legacy

His scientific legacy rests on revealing the molecular mechanics of DNA repair. This work has shaped molecular biology, genetics, and cancer research for decades. His detailed analysis of nucleotide excision repair in E. coli created a framework that informed research into how cells from bacteria to humans keep their genetic material safe. His photolyase work similarly deepened our knowledge of light-dependent DNA repair.

Beyond the specific discoveries, Sancar exemplifies what international scientific collaboration can achieve. He also shows what immigrant scientists bring to American research. His story connects Savur, Turkey to Chapel Hill, North Carolina to Stockholm. It demonstrates how talent, persistence, and opportunity can produce the highest order of breakthrough.[13][16]

Sancar elevated UNC's standing as a major biomedical research center. His choice to donate his Nobel medal to UNC, alongside Oliver Smithies, expressed his dedication to the university and its work.[19] His ongoing glioblastoma research, more than four decades into his career, shows a real commitment to using basic science for medical problems.[4][14]

The Aziz & Gwen Sancar Foundation and the Carolina Türk Evi have helped build cultural connections between Turkey and the United States. Both also back Turkish students studying abroad.[5] He mentors graduate students and postdocs at UNC. He's also opened his lab to local schoolchildren. This work beyond the lab reflects his commitment to science education.[18][17]

As of early 2026, he remains an active researcher and faculty member at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, continuing work in the fields he's shaped throughout his life.[2]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 "UNC-Chapel Hill scientist Aziz Sancar wins Nobel Prize for Chemistry".UNC News.2015-10-07.http://uncnews.unc.edu/2015/10/07/unc-chapel-hill-scientist-aziz-sancar-wins-nobel-prize-for-chemistry/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Aziz Sancar Faculty Profile". 'University of North Carolina School of Medicine}'. Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Sancar Lab — Circadian Clock Puzzle". 'UNC School of Medicine}'. Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 "UNC Researchers Show Combination Therapy Effective for Brain Cancer".UNC Health.2026-01.https://news.unchealthcare.org/2026/01/unc-researchers-show-combination-therapy-effective-for-brain-cancer/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 "Aziz & Gwen Sancar Foundation". 'Sancar Foundation}'. Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 "Nobel Kimya Ödülünü Türk asıllı Aziz Sancar kazandı – Aziz Sancar kimdir".Hürriyet.http://www.hurriyet.com.tr/nobel-kimya-odulunu-turk-asilli-aziz-sancar-kazandi-aziz-sancar-kimdir-30255503.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  7. ↑ "Aziz Sancar'ı emekli general ağabeyi anlattı".Hürriyet.http://www.hurriyet.com.tr/aziz-sancar-i-emekli-general-agabeyi-anlatti-30264107.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  8. ↑ "Nobel ödüllü Sancar'ı ailesi anlattı".TRT Haber.http://www.trthaber.com/haber/turkiye/nobel-odullu-sancari-ailesi-anlatti-207941.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 "Aziz Sancar — UT Dallas Biology News". 'University of Texas at Dallas}'. Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 "Turkish Nobel Prize winner happy most for his country".Anadolu Agency.http://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/turkish-nobel-prize-winner-happy-most-for-his-country/436261.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 "Aziz Sancar receives 2009 Distinguished Alumni Award from University of Texas Dallas". 'UNC School of Medicine}'. Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 "UTD Honors Nobel Prize-Winning Alum at 10th Anniversary Event". 'The University of Texas at Dallas}'. 2025-05-13. Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 "The man behind the Nobel". 'The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill}'. Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 "UNC collaboration repurposes lab chemical as potential new brain tumor drug". 'NC TraCS Institute}'. 2025-10-06. Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  15. ↑ "Nobel laureate Aziz Sancar sees hope for brain tumor treatment".Daily Sabah.2026-01.https://www.dailysabah.com/life/science/nobel-laureate-aziz-sancar-sees-hope-for-brain-tumor-treatment.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 "Dr. Aziz Sancar inspires the next generation". 'The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill}'. 2025-10-08. Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 "The Enduring Legacy of Dr. Aziz Sancar".UNC Health.2025-10-08.https://news.unchealthcare.org/2025/10/the-enduring-legacy-of-dr-aziz-sancar/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 "Local students visit the Sancar lab". 'The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill}'. Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 "UNC Nobel laureates Oliver Smithies and Aziz Sancar donate medals to UNC".UNC Health.2016-04.http://news.unchealthcare.org/news/2016/april/unc-nobel-laureates-oliver-smithies-and-aziz-sancar-donate-medals-to-unc.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  20. ↑ "Cumhurbaşkanı Erdoğan, Nobel ödülünün Anıtkabir Komutanlığına takdim törenine katıldı". 'Presidency of the Republic of Turkey}'. Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 "Turkish-American scientist among winners of 2015 Nobel Prize in Chemistry".Today's Zaman.https://web.archive.org/web/20151011005639/http://www.todayszaman.com/world_turkish-american-scientist-among-winners-of-2015-nobel-prize-in-chemistry_400839.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  22. ↑ "Turkish-American scientist Aziz Sancar wins Nobel Prize in Chemistry".Hürriyet Daily News.http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/Default.aspx?pageID=238&nID=99422&NewsCatID=374.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  23. ↑ "Geçmiş yıllarda Bilim Ödülü alanlar". 'TÜBİTAK}'. Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  24. ↑ "TÜBA Honorary Members — Aziz Sancar". 'Turkish Academy of Sciences}'. Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  25. ↑ "American Academy of Arts and Sciences — New Members". 'American Academy of Arts and Sciences}'. Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  26. ↑ "UNC's Aziz Sancar wins Nobel Prize in Chemistry".The News & Observer.http://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/education/article51568735.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
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