MICHAEL NIP HALL

The American-swiss molecular biologist, who won the 2014 Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences for his discovery of a protein that regulates cell growth and plays a central role in ageing and the development of diseases, shares some of his favourite things and sources of inspiration

1 THE KINGDOM OF SPEECH

I recently read this book by Tom Wolfe and enjoyed the parallels he makes between Charles Darwin and Alfred Wallace versus Noam Chomsky and Daniel Everett. It is fascinating how knowledge advances, particularly in the sciences.

2 EPICURUS, LEONARDO DA VINCI AND THOMAS JEFFERSON

If I could travel back in time to meet one of history’s greatest mind, it would be a tough decision among these three figures.

3 HUACO

This is a type of Peruvian pottery dating back to the Inca period, and one of the objects I am most attached to. It has been in my family since I was a boy and my family lived in Peru, a wonderful country of which I have many fond memories.

4 PARIS

I have lived in many different places and countries, but Paris remains my favourite city. This is where I met my wife. I like almost everything about French culture.

5 FRENCH FOOD AND A BOTTLE OF BORDEAUX

My go-to dining choice when I need to unwind.

“IT IS FASCINATING HOW KNOWLEDGE ADVANCES, PARTICULARLY IN THE SCIENCES”