Roger Tsien – our colorful colleague 1952–2016

Roger Tsien did more than anyone else in the application of fluorescent materials in biological sciences. He is undoubtedly best known for his development of the intrinsically fluorescent proteins and their many uses in cell biology and neurobiology. The original such protein is, of course, GFP, but Roger used genetic engineering methods to create a whole range of such proteins with different photophysical properties tuned to particular needs. In addition, he developed fluorescent probes such as Fura-2 that permitted calcium ions to be detected in cells, and this was extended to dyes that allowed the detection of other metal ions. Roger applied his science in medicine to great practical benefit, for example in the development of fluorescent peptides that would allow surgeons to visualize nerves thereby to avoid damaging them during surgery. His inventiveness extended to the commercial sector. Roger held many patents and was involved in setting up a number of companies. Roger Y. Tsien 1952–2016 Photo: The Royal Society.