# Eugene Koonin > American biologist **Wikidata**: [Q3699974](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q3699974) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eugene_Koonin) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/eugene-koonin ## Summary Eugene Koonin is an American biologist specializing in computational biology and evolutionary biology. He is a senior researcher at the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) and has made significant contributions to the understanding of evolutionary processes through computational approaches. ## Biography - Born: October 26, 1956, in Moscow - Nationality: Originally Soviet Union, now United States - Education: Candidate of Biology Sciences (1983) from MSU Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University - Known for: Contributions to computational biology and evolutionary biology - Employer(s): - Chumakov Institute of Poliomyelitis and Viral Encephalitis (1985-1991) - Winogradsky Institute of Microbiology RAS (1985-1991) - National Center for Biotechnology Information (1991-present) - United States National Institutes of Health (senior researcher since 2016) - Field(s): Computational biology, evolutionary biology, bioinformatics, virology ## Contributions Eugene Koonin has established himself as a leading figure in computational biology through his research at the National Center for Biotechnology Information since 1991. His work focuses on applying computational methods to study evolutionary processes and biological systems. Koonin has developed computational approaches for analyzing genomic data and understanding the evolution of viruses and other organisms. He has authored numerous publications in scientific journals and has been recognized with multiple honorary doctorates and memberships in prestigious scientific academies. His research has contributed significantly to the field of evolutionary genomics and our understanding of the tree of life. ## FAQs ### Q: What is Eugene Koonin's academic background? A: Eugene Koonin earned his Candidate of Biology Sciences degree in molecular biology from Lomonosov Moscow State University in 1983. He was advised by Vadim Agol during his doctoral studies. ### Q: Where does Eugene Koonin currently work? A: Eugene Koonin has been working at the National Center for Biotechnology Information since 1991. He also serves as a senior researcher at the United States National Institutes of Health since 2016. ### Q: What fields does Eugene Koonin work in? A: Eugene Koonin works in computational biology and evolutionary biology. He is also recognized as a bioinformatician, computer scientist, researcher, author, virologist, and inventor. ### Q: Is Eugene Koonin involved in any professional organizations? A: Yes, Eugene Koonin is a member of the National Academy of Sciences (since 2016), Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (since 2013), foreign member of Academia Europaea (since 2021), and was a foreign member of the Russian Academy of Sciences (2019-2022). ## Why They Matter Eugene Koonin has significantly advanced the field of computational biology by developing and applying computational methods to study evolutionary processes. His work has helped bridge the gap between traditional biology and computer science, enabling researchers to analyze large-scale biological data in ways that were previously impossible. Koonin's contributions to evolutionary genomics have provided new insights into the tree of life and the mechanisms of evolution. His leadership at NCBI and involvement in multiple scientific academies have positioned him as an influential figure in the scientific community, shaping the direction of research in computational biology and evolutionary studies. ## Notable For - Member of the National Academy of Sciences (2016) - Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (2013) - Foreign member of Academia Europaea (2021) - Foreign member of the Russian Academy of Sciences (2019-2022) - Recipient of an honorary doctorate from Aix-Marseille University (2012) ## Body ### Early Life and Education Eugene Koonin was born on October 26, 1956, in Moscow, Soviet Union. He completed his education at the MSU Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, earning his Candidate of Biology Sciences degree in molecular biology in 1983 under the supervision of Vadim Agol. ### Career Koonin began his professional career at the Chumakov Institute of Poliomyelitis and Viral Encephalitis in 1985, where he worked until 1991. During the same period, he was also affiliated with the Winogradsky Institute of Microbiology RAS. In 1991, he joined the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), where he has remained since. Since 2016, he has also served as a senior researcher at the United States National Institutes of Health. ### Research Areas Koonin's primary research fields include computational biology and evolutionary biology. He is recognized as a bioinformatician, computer scientist, researcher, author, virologist, and inventor. His work focuses on applying computational methods to study biological systems and evolutionary processes. ### Professional Recognition Koonin has received numerous honors and recognitions throughout his career. He became a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2013 and was elected to the National Academy of Sciences in 2016. In 2021, he became a foreign member of Academia Europaea, and from 2019 to 2022, he served as a foreign member of the Russian Academy of Sciences. He was also awarded an honorary doctorate from Aix-Marseille University in 2012. ### Public Engagement In addition to his scientific work, Koonin has participated in protests against the Russian invasion of Ukraine, demonstrating his commitment to social and political issues beyond his scientific research. ## References 1. [ORCID Public Data File 2023](https://pub.orcid.org/v3.0/0000-0003-3943-8299/employment/1875441) 2. [Source](https://web.archive.org/web/20200412124607/https://back-office.univ-amu.fr/sites/back-office.univ-amu.fr/files/news_documents/soiree_scientifique_2018_livret_105x297_dhc_ok_web.pdf) 3. general catalog of BnF 4. Virtual International Authority File 5. www.nasonline.org 6. [Source](https://www.amacad.org/person/eugene-v-koonin) 7. [Eugene V. Koonin | Open Library](https://openlibrary.org/authors/OL2945724A/Eugene_V._Koonin) 8. IdRef 9. [Source](http://www.nasonline.org/member-directory/living-member-list.html)