Professor John Gurdon of the University of Cambridge, winner of the 2012 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, was an authoritative scientist in the global fields of developmental biology and stem cell biology. He cherished a passion for science and was also endowed with the resilience for lifelong research. This article recounted the author's two in-depth interactions with John Gurdon, demonstrating Gurdon's attention to the frontiers of science and technology, his enthusiasm for scientific exploration, and his care for younger scientists—qualities that have exerted a profound influence on the latter. Finally, by addressing the discussions surrounding the Nobel Prize, the article pointed out that the Nobel Prize should not be regarded as the ultimate goal of scientific research; instead, the pure enthusiasm for science that Professor John Gurdon maintained throughout his life and his support and care for younger generations are the precious exemplary forces worthy of recognition.

John Gurdon  /  Nobel Prize  /  underlying technology for genome-wide transcription factor binding sites  /  enthusiasm for scientific research  /  scientific spirit