How physicists became biologists

There have been three periods in physicists moving to biology. First, a few distinguished physicists recognized early the need and possibilities for applying their approach to biology. Then, Erwin Schrödinger’s What is Life? induced a good number of scientists to seek the next frontier of science in biology. The trend has continued in recent time; thus, we are living the third period. For a few scientists, their path to biology is looked at in some detail. The peculiar case of outstanding physicists salvaging biology in the Soviet Union is mentioned. So is the world-famous Cavendish Laboratory initiating what has become a leading venue of biological research. Broad-based education fosters scientists’ ability to change their main line of enquiry.