What's Happening?
Alice N. Schwartz, co-founder and Director Emeritus of Bio-Rad Laboratories, passed away on September 25, 2025, at the age of 99. Schwartz, alongside her husband David, founded Bio-Rad in 1952 in Berkeley, California. The company initially focused on specialty chemicals for life science research and later expanded into clinical diagnostics. Schwartz was pivotal in developing Bio-Rad's first test kit for thyroid function in the 1960s, marking the company's entry into clinical diagnostics. Her leadership and passion for scientific discovery have left a lasting legacy within the company and the scientific community.
Why It's Important?
Alice Schwartz's contributions to Bio-Rad Laboratories have significantly impacted the life sciences and clinical diagnostics industries. Her work in developing innovative products has helped advance scientific research and improve healthcare diagnostics. Bio-Rad, under her guidance, has grown into a global leader with a substantial workforce and revenue, serving universities, research institutions, hospitals, and biopharmaceutical companies. Schwartz's passing marks the end of an era for Bio-Rad, but her legacy continues to inspire future scientific advancements.
