Scholars@Duke
Paul L. Modrich

Paul L. Modrich

James B. Duke Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Biochemistry
Biochemistry
modrich@biochem.duke.edu
Box 3711 Med Ctr, Durham, NC 27710
156A Nanaline H Duke, Durham, NC 27708

Academic Honors

Fellow, American Association for Cancer Research Academy

International American Association for Cancer Research · 2017

North Carolina Award in Science

State State of North Carolina · 2016

Arthur Kornberg and Paul Berg Lifetime Achievement Award in Biomedical Sciences

University Stanford University · 2016

Fellow (NAI)

Other National Academy of Inventors · 2016 More about this honor

Nobel Prize-Chemistry

Other Nobel Foundation · October 7, 2015 The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2015 is awarded to Tomas Lindahl, Paul Modrich and Aziz Sancar for having mapped, at a molecular level, how cells repair damaged DNA and safeguard the genetic information. Their work has provided fundamental knowledge of how a living cell functions and is, for instance, used for the development of new cancer treatments.

Duke Medical Alumni Distinguished Faculty Award

University Duke University · 2008

Ohio State University Human Cancer Genetics Medal

University Ohio State University · 2007

American Cancer Society Medal of Honor

International American Cancer Society · 2005

Fellow

National American Academy of Arts and Sciences · 2004 Area: Biological Sciences; Specialty: Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Molecular Biology More about this honor

HHMI Investigator (Alumni)

Scholarly Society Howard Hughes Medical Institute · 2004 More about this honor

Member

National Institute of Medicine of The National Academies · 2003 More about this honor

Member (NAM)

Other National Academy of Medicine · 2003

Feodor Lynen Medal

International Miami Winter Symposium · 2000

Robert J. and Claire Pasarow Foundation Award in Cancer Research

International Robert J. and Claire Pasarow Foundation · 1999

General Motors Mott Prize in Cancer Research

International General Motors Cancer Research Foundation · 1996

NAS Members

Other National Academy of Sciences · 1993 More about this honor

Pfizer Award in Enzyme Chemistry

International American Chemical Society · 1983

News Items

Published July 30, 2025
Seven Life-Changing Health Breakthroughs from Duke
Published November 10, 2021
As He Shuts Down His Lab, Nobel Prize Laureate Paul Modrich Looks Back at a Storied Career
Published November 5, 2021
One month before shutting down his lab, Paul Modrich looks back to his pathway to Nobel
Published October 5, 2018
Reflected Glory: 2018 Nobel Laureate Completed Early Award-Winning Study at Duke
Published December 12, 2016
Three Duke Researchers Named To National Academy Of Inventors
Published February 11, 2016
Biden seeks input for cancer 'moonshot' at Duke University
Published February 10, 2016
Vice President Visits to Discuss Cancer 'Moonshot'
Published December 28, 2015
2015 Tar Heels of the Year: Nobel winners Aziz Sancar and Paul Modrich
Published December 10, 2015
Paul Modrich Receives Nobel Prize from Sweden's King
Published December 8, 2015
Watch Paul Modrich's Nobel Lecture
Published December 8, 2015
Paul Modrich's Nobel Week in Sweden
Published October 22, 2015
Apple Research App; New Arts Center: The Week at Duke {in 60 Seconds}
Published October 19, 2015
Duke Chronicle
Nobel laureate Modrich excited to get back in the lab
Published October 16, 2015
News & Observer
Commentary: Nobel the fruit of N.C. investment in academic research
Published October 13, 2015
WTVD
Duke professor returns to lab after winning Nobel Prize
Published October 12, 2015
Biochemistry Department Congratulates Nobel Prize Winner
Published October 8, 2015
The News & Observer
Duke, UNC scientists win Nobel Prize in Chemistry for work on DNA repair
Published October 8, 2015
Fox News, Reuters
Nobel discoveries on DNA repair now fueling cancer drug research
Published October 8, 2015
NPR’s “All Things Considered”
Nobel Prize in Chemistry awarded to 3 scientists for DNA repair discovery
Published October 7, 2015
Nobel Prize Press Conference at UNC-Chapel Hill
Published October 7, 2015
The New York Times, Reuters
DNA research deployed in war on cancer scoops Nobel Prize