Doudna

Jennifer Anne Doudna (born February 19, 1964) is an American biochemist known for her pioneering work in CRISPR gene editing. She is a Li Ka Shing Chancellor's Chair Professor in the Department of Chemistry and the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology at the University of California, Berkeley.

Doudna's research has focused on understanding the structure and function of RNA and RNA-protein complexes, particularly those involved in gene regulation and defense mechanisms in bacteria and archaea. Her groundbreaking work with Emmanuelle Charpentier led to the development of CRISPR-Cas9 as a revolutionary tool for genome editing.

CRISPR-Cas9 allows scientists to precisely target and modify DNA sequences within cells and organisms. This technology has broad applications in medicine, agriculture, and basic research, offering the potential to treat genetic diseases, develop new crops, and advance our understanding of fundamental biological processes.

In 2020, Doudna and Charpentier were awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their discovery of CRISPR-Cas9. Doudna has also received numerous other awards and honors for her scientific contributions, including the Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences, the Gruber Prize in Genetics, and the Japan Prize.

Beyond her scientific research, Doudna is actively involved in discussing the ethical and societal implications of CRISPR technology. She is a strong advocate for responsible innovation and the need for open dialogue about the potential benefits and risks of genome editing. She has co-authored books and articles addressing these issues and participates in public forums to promote informed discussion.

Doudna received her B.A. in chemistry from Pomona College in 1985 and her Ph.D. in biological chemistry and molecular pharmacology from Harvard Medical School in 1989. She conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Colorado Boulder before joining the faculty at Yale University in 1994. She moved to the University of California, Berkeley, in 2002.