David Baker is a distinguished American biochemist and computational biologist renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to protein design and structure prediction. He began his academic journey at Harvard University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in biology. Following this, he pursued a Doctor of Philosophy in biochemistry at the University of California, Berkeley, under the mentorship of Randy Schekman, focusing on protein transport in yeast. His postdoctoral training at the University of California, San Francisco, further solidified his expertise in biophysics.

In 1993, Baker joined the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Washington School of Medicine, where he quickly established himself as a leader in the field. His appointment as a Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator in 2000 marked a significant milestone, allowing him to expand his research on computational methods for protein design. Baker’s innovative work led to the development of the Rosetta algorithm, a pivotal tool in protein structure prediction that has transformed the landscape of computational biology.

Baker’s contributions extend beyond academia; he has co-founded over a dozen biotechnology companies, including Icosavax and Sana Biotechnology, which have made significant strides in the field. His leadership of the Rosetta Commons consortium has fostered collaboration among researchers, enhancing the development of biomolecular software. Additionally, his TED talk in 2019 showcased the potential of protein design to address global challenges, further amplifying his influence.

Throughout his career, Baker has received numerous accolades, including the 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, which he shared for his pioneering work in protein design. His commitment to advancing science and technology continues to inspire the next generation of researchers, solidifying his legacy as a trailblazer in biochemistry.