Born on August 25, 1900, in Germany, Krebs was inspired by his father, an ENT surgeon. He pursued medicine at the University of Freiburg.
A TURN TOWARD RESEARCH
Krebs trained in biochemistry at Charité Hospital, Berlin, and earned his MD from the University of Hamburg in 1925.
EARLY DISCOVERIES
While at the University of Freiburg, Krebs and Kurt Henseleit discovered the Ornithine Cycle (Urea Cycle), a critical metabolic pathway in the liver.
FORCED MIGRATION AND NEW BEGINNINGS
Escaping the Nazis, In 1933, Krebs fled to England, finding refuge with Sir Frederick Gowland Hopkins at Cambridge University.
THE DISCOVERY OF THE KREBS CYCLE
Collaborating with William Johnson, Krebs discovered the Citric Acid Cycle, explaining how cells convert nutrients into ATP, the energy currency of life.
NOBEL PRIZE RECOGNITION
For his groundbreaking work, Krebs received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1953, solidifying his legacy.
A LEGACY IN BIOCHEMISTRY
Krebs’ discoveries remain foundational in medicine, biochemistry, and understanding metabolic disorders. His work exemplifies how preparation meets opportunity.
Krebs’ journey inspires us to pursue curiosity and resilience in the face of challenges.