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Freddie Gutfreund – few used his birth name Herbert – joined the then newly established Department (now School) of Biochemistry in 1965. He remained one of the most distinguished members of this University through to his retirement in 1986, and he retained an emeritus presence within the Department for several years thereafter.
Prior to 1964, the University of Bristol lacked a Department of Biochemistry and its courses in Biological Chemistry had been run by the Department of Physiology. The University did however need a Department of Biochemistry to validate the construction of its new building for the School of Medical Sciences on University Walk. Professor Philip Randle FRS was appointed in 1964 to establish the Department. He recruited Freddie Gutfreund the following year. Freddie established the Molecular Enzymology Unit, located in a separate building in the Inner Court Laboratories (now part of Earth Sciences). The current strength of Biochemistry in Bristol can be