David Baker of UW Wins 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for AI-Driven Protein Design

Oct 17, 2024, 11:40 AM

David Baker, a biochemist at the University of Washington, has been awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his groundbreaking work in using artificial intelligence to design entirely new proteins. This achievement marks a significant moment for the intersection of AI and science, as it highlights the potential of AI to revolutionize fields such as medicine and materials science. Baker's work, which has been described as both recent and transformative, involves creating protein probes to see new details in cells, in collaboration with imaging expert Julia Mahamid. The recognition of his work underscores the growing importance of AI in scientific research and its potential to drive innovation and discovery. Baker is also a customer of Twist Bioscience, which expressed delight at his recognition.