Famous American Biophysicists

Joachim Frank is a German-American biophysicist known for his pioneering work in single-particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM). He is a Nobel laureate in Chemistry, sharing the prize with Jacques Dubochet and Richard Henderson in 2017. Frank is recognized as the founder of cryo-EM and has made significant contributions to understanding the structure and function of ribosomes in both bacterial and eukaryotic cells. He currently holds a position at Columbia University, where he continues to advance the field of structural biology.

Walter Gilbert is an American biochemist, physicist, and molecular biology pioneer known for his groundbreaking work in the field. He co-founded Biogen, a successful biotech company, and made significant contributions to our understanding of genetics and DNA sequencing. Gilbert's research paved the way for advancements in molecular biology, earning him the prestigious Nobel Prize. Throughout his career, he has inspired countless scientists and has made enduring contributions to the fields of biochemistry and genetics.

Martin Karplus is a renowned Austrian-American theoretical chemist with a distinguished career. He serves as the Director of the Biophysical Chemistry Laboratory, a collaboration between the French National Center for Scientific Research and the University of Strasbourg. Additionally, he holds the title of Theodore William Richards Professor of Chemistry, emeritus at Harvard University. Karplus was honored with the 2013 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his groundbreaking work in developing multiscale models for complex chemical systems, alongside Michael Levitt and Arieh Warshel.

Thomas Gold was an esteemed Austrian-born American astrophysicist known for his groundbreaking work in various scientific disciplines. As a professor of astronomy at Cornell University and a member of prestigious institutions such as the U.S. National Academy of Sciences and the Royal Society (London), Gold made significant contributions to fields like biophysics, astronomy, aerospace engineering, and geophysics. Notably, he was part of the group that proposed the "steady state" hypothesis of the universe in 1948, showcasing his expertise and influence in the scientific community.

Bruce Michael Alberts is an accomplished American biochemist renowned for his research on protein complexes involved in chromosome replication during cell division. He is a distinguished author of the widely-used textbook Molecular Biology of the Cell and has served as the Editor-in-Chief of Science magazine. Alberts received the National Medal of Science in 2014 for his contributions to DNA replication research and dedication to science education. He was also the president of the National Academy of Sciences and has been actively involved in shaping science public policy, including serving as a United States Science Envoy.

Britton "Brit" Chance was an accomplished American biochemist, biophysicist, inventor, and scholar known for his pioneering work in utilizing spectroscopy for medical diagnostics. He was renowned for his ability to translate theoretical scientific concepts into practical applications in the fields of biomedicine and clinical practice, earning him the title of "the founder of biomedical photonics." Chance's contributions were widely recognized, with him being awarded the prestigious National Medal of Science in 1974. Additionally, he showcased his diverse talents by achieving success as an Olympic gold medalist in sailing at the 1952 Summer Olympics.

William Esco Moerner, also known as W. E. Moerner, is an American physical chemist and chemical physicist known for his pioneering work in the field of biophysics and imaging of single molecules. He achieved the first optical detection and spectroscopy of a single molecule in condensed phases, which has since become a widely used experiment in chemistry, physics, and biology. In recognition of his groundbreaking contributions, Moerner was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2014.

Alexander Rich was a prominent American biologist and biophysicist known for his significant contributions to the field of biophysics. He held prestigious positions as the William Thompson Sedgwick Professor of Biophysics at MIT and Harvard Medical School. Rich was a post-doc of Linus Pauling and a member of the RNA Tie Club, a group focused on unraveling the mysteries of DNA and protein encoding. With over 600 publications, he was a respected figure in the scientific community and also played key roles in biopharmaceutical companies and editorial boards.

Arieh Warshel is an Israeli-American biochemist and biophysicist known for his pioneering work in computational studies on biological molecules. He currently serves as a Distinguished Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Southern California, holding the Dana and David Dornsife Chair in Chemistry. Warshel was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2013, along with Michael Levitt and Martin Karplus, for their groundbreaking work in developing multiscale models for complex chemical systems.

Jerome Jay Wolken was an American biophysicist known for his groundbreaking research in vision in deep sea creatures. His work led to the development of specialized eyeglasses equipped with uniquely designed lenses that could gather more light. These innovative glasses enabled individuals who were legally blind to experience improved vision. Wolken's contributions to the field of biophysics and his dedication to enhancing the lives of visually impaired individuals through his research and inventions have left a lasting impact on the scientific community and society as a whole.

Toyoichi Tanaka, a Japanese scientist, is renowned for his groundbreaking work in the field of smart gels. His discovery of materials that respond to variations in light, temperature, and other stimuli revolutionized the scientific community. Tanaka's affiliation with the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology as a Physics professor further solidified his reputation as a leading expert in the field. Through his research and academic contributions, Tanaka has left an indelible mark on the scientific world, inspiring future generations of researchers and innovators.