Transcript of the interview

[Paul Modrich] Hello.

[Adam Smith] Hello, this is Adam Smith. So where am I calling you?

[PM] We’re in New Hampshire. We have a little cabin in the woods in New Hampshire and we’re on vacation. Our last day is actually tomorrow. So this was sort of a shock.

[AS] And there was you thinking you’d got away from it all.

[PM] We thought so.

[AS] So how did the news reach you in your cabin?

[PM] I started getting emails about 6.30 this morning and I was stunned. Difficult to believe actually.

[AS] So apart from being stunned what was your first reaction?

[PM] Shock, I guess. Surprise. Excitement. I’m not a very eloquent speaker, very …

[AS] I think you’ve said that very well. But it’s funny that you’ve escaped up there because presumably Duke University is keen to get hold of you and do a press conference, but there you are.

[PM] [Laughs] I’m in the right place at the right time.

[AS] Exactly. Yes, so in fact if you shut off your telephones you’re completely free, for a day.

[PM] Exactly.

[AS] Presumably the last free day you’ll have for many days.

[PM] I hope not. [Laughs] Actually our plans tomorrow were driving back through Boston and we plan to stop and visit the person I post-doced with actually, many, many years ago, Charles Richardson.

[AS] Well that will be a nice surprise for everybody. There’ll be Nobel celebrations as well as your visit.

[PM] Well, we’ll see. The people are the important thing.

[AS] Exactly. It’s a lovely recognition of the field of DNA repair, this Prize.

[PM] It is. And I think the field, for many years, didn’t receive the attention I think that it really deserved and it’s important, I think now, unequivocally established for controlling the production of mutation both in a positive and negative way.

[AS] Of course we’re very much looking forward to welcoming you to Stockholm in December.

[PM] When, in December?

[AS] So the awards ceremony itself is on 10th December in Stockholm in deepest darkest winter, but the Swedes know well how to deal with dark. And then there are a number of days of activities, including a lecture you’ll be asked to give leading up to that.

[PM] OK. [Laughs] Certainly.

[AS] Many, many congratulations, and it’s so nice to talk to you.

[PM] Thank you so much, a pleasure talking to you.

[AS] Thank you, bye bye.

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