David Andrew Sinclair AO is a prominent Australian-American biologist and academic renowned for his groundbreaking research in aging and epigenetics. As a professor of genetics at Harvard Medical School, he has dedicated over two decades to advancing our understanding of the biological mechanisms of aging. Sinclair is also the founding director of the Paul F. Glenn Laboratories for the Biological Mechanisms of Aging at Harvard, where he has spearheaded innovative research that has significantly influenced the field of longevity science.
Sinclair’s academic journey began at the University of New South Wales, where he earned a B.Sc. in biochemistry and a Ph.D. in molecular genetics. His postdoctoral work at MIT under Dr. Leonard Guarente led to pivotal discoveries regarding the role of sirtuins in aging. In 1999, he joined Harvard Medical School, where he has since published influential papers and developed theories that have reshaped our understanding of aging, including the Information Theory of Aging, which posits that the loss of epigenetic information drives the aging process.
In addition to his academic contributions, Sinclair is a prolific entrepreneur, co-founding several biotechnology companies, including Sirtris Pharmaceuticals, which focused on resveratrol as an anti-aging compound. His ventures have garnered significant attention, with Sirtris being acquired by GlaxoSmithKline for $720 million. Sinclair’s innovative spirit extends to his role as co-founder of Genocea Biosciences, OvaScience, and Metro Biotech, among others, all aimed at translating scientific discoveries into therapeutic applications.
Sinclair’s influence extends beyond the laboratory; he is a sought-after speaker and author, with his book “Lifespan: Why We Age – and Why We Don’t Have To” reaching a global audience. His work has been recognized with numerous awards, including the CSL Prize and the Australian Commonwealth Prize, and he has been featured in prominent media outlets. Through his research, entrepreneurial endeavors, and public engagement, David Sinclair continues to inspire a new generation of scientists and advocates for longevity and health.