Paul Berg

Noble Laureate in Chemistry (1980)

Paul Berg is an American biochemist and Nobel Laureate in Chemistry (1980). He is most well known for his contributions to the biotechnology revolution, helping develop the technology of genetic engineering. This was an incredibly important step forward in knowledge of heredity and genetic manipulation, which has subsequently led to advancements in treating and curing genetic diseases as well as in other areas such as global food production. Berg earned a bachelor’s in biochemistry from Pennsylvania State University in 1950, followed by a PhD in biochemistry at Case Western Reserve University in 1954. His early research focused on DNA structure and functions. In 1972, he developed the technique of combining DNA segments from different sources, called "recombinant DNA". This breakthrough was the first step in advancing genetic engineering. Throughout his career, he has received numerous awards and honors. In addition to the Nobel Prize, he received the National Medal of Science from President Bill Clinton in 1999, in recognition of his work in biochemistry, molecular biology and recombinant DNA. He was awarded the Japan Prize in 1986 and has won numerous other awards and honors, including the International Prize for Biology, the Albert Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research and the Wolf Prize in Agriculture. In addition to his research accomplishments, Berg is also an advocate for biotechnology safety, having co-authored the 1975 Asilomar Conference on Recombinant DNA and later, the 2003 BioBricks Foundation. He has also been a national spokesman on the topic of human gene therapy. At the age of 90, he is still actively involved in his research and in promoting responsible biotechnology practices.