Noreen Elizabeth, Lady Murray CBE FRS FRSE (née Parker; 26 February 1935 – 12 May 2011)[2][3] was an English molecular geneticist who helped pioneer recombinant DNA technology (genetic engineering) by creating a series of bacteriophage lambda vectors into which genes could be inserted and expressed in order to examine their function.

[4] During her career she was recognised internationally as a pioneer and one of Britain's most distinguished and highly respected molecular geneticists.

[7] She was educated at Lancaster Girls' Grammar School, at King's College London (BSc), and received her PhD from the University of Birmingham in 1959.

It is notable that she has many single author publications; she was generally the main instigator and sole technical contributor.

[6] She, Ken and colleague Bill Brammar, led the development of genetic engineering, putting the UK ahead in revolutionary DNA research.

"Her achievements came at a time when it was not always easy for women to make a career in science, and it is a measure of her ability and determination that she reached the top of her profession despite occasionally contending with the unconscious prejudice of the scientific establishment.

[11] The Noreen and Kenneth Murray Library in Edinburgh University's King's Buildings complex is named in her honour.