The magnetic resonance community mourns the passing of Robert G. Shulman, Sterling Professor Emeritus of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry at Yale University. Professor Shulman was a pioneer in the development of nuclear magnetic resonance methods for studying metabolism in living systems.
During his career at Bell Laboratories and later at Yale, Shulman made fundamental contributions to biological magnetic resonance spectroscopy. His work helped establish NMR as a powerful tool for probing metabolic pathways and bioenergetics in cells, animals, and human subjects. At Yale, he founded and directed the Magnetic Resonance Research Center at the Yale School of Medicine, contributing to the university’s early leadership in magnetic resonance spectroscopy and functional imaging.
Among his many scientific contributions was the discovery of the glycogen shunt, which revealed new insights into the regulation and adaptability of metabolic pathways. His research advanced the understanding of metabolism in both normal physiology and disease.
Shulman was elected to the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Medicine in recognition of his scientific achievements. His pioneering work played a central role in establishing magnetic resonance spectroscopy as a key method for studying metabolism and physiology in living systems.
Further information about Robert Shulman’s life and scientific contributions is available in an article from Yale News.
The International Society of Magnetic Resonance extends its condolences to Professor Shulman’s family, colleagues, and collaborators.
Jerry C. C. Chan
Secretary General