Prize-winning breakthrough in biochemistry. But during his voyage of discovery he also repeatedly finds occasion to speak out in defence of the basic principles of scientific research. 'We would,' as Skou says in one of his speeches, 'do well to promote science by encouraging young people to engage with their profoundly human capacity for astonishment, and wonder.'

The ion-transporting pump continues to surprise. Its involvement in genetic disease is the latest addition to our understanding of this fascinating mechanism, and there will likely be much more to learn in the future.