Tamir Gonen

Tamir Gonen is a Professor of Biological Chemistry and Physiology at the David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and an Investigator at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI). He is a pioneer in microcrystal electron diffraction (MicroED), a transformative cryo-EM method for atomic-resolution structure determination.

• Education:
  • Doctor of Science (DSc), University of Auckland (2025)
  • PhD in Structural Biology, Harvard Medical School (2005)
  • PhD in Biochemistry, University of Auckland (2002)
  • BSc (Hons) in Inorganic Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Auckland (1998)

His research focuses on membrane protein structure and function, particularly those in the blood-brain barrier, using MicroED, X-ray crystallography, NMR, and molecular dynamics. He has determined structures of ion channels, transporters, and drug compounds at resolutions better than 1 Å, advancing drug discovery and understanding disease mechanisms.

Recent work includes high-throughput MicroED for ion channel dynamics, energy filtering to enhance resolution, and polymorphic drug characterization. His lab also develops protocols for suspended drop crystallization and focused ion-beam milling of samples.

Scientific Awards:

• Fellow, American Crystallographic Association (2025)
• Doctor of Science, University of Auckland (2025)
• Carl Branden Award, The Protein Society (2024)
• Investigator, HHMI (2017)
• Member, Royal Society of New Zealand (2017)
• American Diabetes Association Career Development Award (2009)

He leads the Gonen Lab, which emphasizes multidisciplinary approaches and method development in structural biology. His trainees have become faculty at top global institutions, extending his impact on the field.