Ian Wilmut is the leader of the team that produced Dolly, the first animal to develop after nuclear transfer from an adult cell. This result followed several years’ research focused on the factors regulating embryo development after nuclear transfer. This work first led to the birth of live lambs from embryo-derived cells and then to lambs derived from foetal and adult cells, including Dolly. Subsequently, genetic changes were introduced into sheep by nuclear transfer from cultured modified cells.

Professor Wilmut obtained a B.Sc. in Agricultural Science at the University of Nottingham before studying with Professor "Chris" Polge FRS at the University of Cambridge. His research has all be concerned with understanding gametes and embryos. His Ph.D. degree was awarded in 1971 for research on the Deep Freeze Preservation of Boar Semen and subsequent research in Cambridge led to the birth of the first calf from a frozen embryo - Frosty.

The present objectives of the research group are to determine the molecular mechanisms that are important for normal development of cloned embryos and to use that knowledge in medicine, biology, and agriculture.

This research has been recognised by the award of an OBE in the Queen's birthday honours of 1999, election to Fellowship of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, 2000 and the Royal Society 2002 and election as Foreign Associate of the National Academies of Science, April 2004.