Jennifer Doudna

Jennifer Doudna is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Department of Molecular and Cell Biology at the University of California, Berkeley. As a Nobel Laureate in Chemistry (2020) for CRISPR-Cas9 development, she leads the Doudna Lab and serves as IGI Founder & Chair of the Governance Board. Her research spans genome editing, RNA biology, and CRISPR innovation.

• Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator
• Senior Investigator at Gladstone Institutes
• Co-founder of multiple CRISPR-focused biotech companies

Research Focus: The lab investigates CRISPR-Cas9 mechanisms, develops novel genome editing tools, and explores therapeutic delivery systems for diseases like Huntington's and glioblastoma. Current projects include microbiome engineering for human health and climate applications.

Scientific Recognition: Recipient of the Nobel Prize (2020), Breakthrough Prize (2015), Japan Prize (2016), Kavli Prize (2018), Wolf Prize (2020), and National Medal of Technology (2025). Member of National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Medicine, and Royal Society.

Public Engagement: Through A Crack in Creation and The Code Breaker, Doudna educates on CRISPR ethics. Featured in documentaries like Human Nature and PBS-NOVA programs, she advocates for responsible genome editing policies.