# Walter Gilbert

> American biochemist

**Wikidata**: [Q217486](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q217486)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walter_Gilbert)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/walter-gilbert

## Summary
Walter Gilbert is an American biochemist and molecular biologist known for his groundbreaking work in DNA sequencing and the development of the Maxam-Gilbert sequencing method, which revolutionized genetic research. He is a Nobel laureate and a pioneer in the field of molecular biology.

## Biography
- Born: March 21, 1932, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- Nationality: American
- Education:
  - Harvard University (Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry, 1953)
  - Harvard University (Ph.D. in Chemistry, 1957)
- Known for: Pioneering contributions to DNA sequencing and molecular biology
- Employer(s):
  - Harvard University (faculty member)
  - Massachusetts Institute of Technology (faculty member)
- Field(s): Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Genetics

## Contributions
- Developed the Maxam-Gilbert sequencing method (1977), a chemical method for DNA sequencing that significantly advanced genetic research.
- Co-discovered the first restriction enzyme, EcoRI, which played a crucial role in the development of recombinant DNA technology.
- Contributed to the understanding of DNA structure and function through his research on DNA sequencing and modification.
- Published numerous influential papers in leading scientific journals, including *Science* and *Nature*.
- Received prestigious awards, including the Nobel Prize in Chemistry (1980) for his work on DNA sequencing.
- Founded and led research groups at Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, mentoring numerous scientists.

## FAQs
### What is Walter Gilbert known for?
Walter Gilbert is known for his pioneering work in DNA sequencing, particularly the development of the Maxam-Gilbert sequencing method, which revolutionized genetic research. He also co-discovered the first restriction enzyme, EcoRI, and made significant contributions to the understanding of DNA structure and function.

### Where did Walter Gilbert study?
Walter Gilbert studied at Harvard University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry in 1953 and a Ph.D. in Chemistry in 1957.

### What awards has Walter Gilbert received?
Walter Gilbert has received numerous prestigious awards, including the Nobel Prize in Chemistry (1980) for his work on DNA sequencing. He has also been honored with the Guggenheim Fellowship, the Albert Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research, and the Louisa Gross Horwitz Prize.

### Where has Walter Gilbert worked?
Walter Gilbert has worked as a faculty member at Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he founded and led research groups that made significant contributions to molecular biology and genetics.

### What is the Maxam-Gilbert sequencing method?
The Maxam-Gilbert sequencing method is a chemical method for DNA sequencing developed by Walter Gilbert. It involves the use of specific chemical reagents to cleave DNA at specific sites, allowing for the determination of the sequence of nucleotides in a DNA molecule.

## Why They Matter
Walter Gilbert's work has had a profound impact on the field of molecular biology and genetics. His development of the Maxam-Gilbert sequencing method made it possible to determine the sequence of DNA molecules, which is essential for understanding genetic information and developing new therapies. His co-discovery of the first restriction enzyme, EcoRI, paved the way for the development of recombinant DNA technology, which has revolutionized biotechnology and medicine. Gilbert's contributions have influenced countless researchers and have led to advancements in genetic engineering, personalized medicine, and our understanding of the genetic basis of diseases.

## Notable For
- Nobel Prize in Chemistry (1980) for his work on DNA sequencing
- Development of the Maxam-Gilbert sequencing method, a breakthrough in genetic research
- Co-discovery of the first restriction enzyme, EcoRI, which played a crucial role in the development of recombinant DNA technology
- Founding and leading research groups at Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Publishing numerous influential papers in leading scientific journals
- Receiving prestigious awards, including the Guggenheim Fellowship, the Albert Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research, and the Louisa Gross Horwitz Prize

## Body

### Early Life and Education
- Born on March 21, 1932, in Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- Earned a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry from Harvard University in 1953
- Completed his Ph.D. in Chemistry at Harvard University in 1957

### Career and Research
- Joined the faculty at Harvard University, where he conducted groundbreaking research in biochemistry and molecular biology
- Later became a faculty member at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he continued his work in genetics and DNA sequencing
- Developed the Maxam-Gilbert sequencing method in 1977, which became a cornerstone of genetic research
- Co-discovered the first restriction enzyme, EcoRI, in 1970, which was a significant development in the field of recombinant DNA technology
- Published numerous influential papers in leading scientific journals, including *Science* and *Nature*
- Received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1980 for his work on DNA sequencing

### Awards and Recognition
- Nobel Prize in Chemistry (1980) for his contributions to DNA sequencing
- Guggenheim Fellowship for his outstanding research in biochemistry
- Albert Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research for his work on DNA structure and function
- Louisa Gross Horwitz Prize for his significant contributions to the field of molecular biology
- Canada Gairdner International Award for his pioneering work in genetics
- Biotechnology Heritage Award for his innovative approaches to DNA sequencing
- Grand Prix Charles-Leopold Mayer for his advancements in the field of biochemistry
- NAS Award in Molecular Biology for his research on DNA modification
- Humboldt Prize for his influential work in molecular biology

### Professional Affiliations
- Member of the National Academy of Sciences
- Member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences
- Member of the Royal Society
- Affiliated with Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology

### Legacy and Influence
- Walter Gilbert's work has had a lasting impact on the field of molecular biology and genetics
- His development of the Maxam-Gilbert sequencing method has been widely used in genetic research and has led to advancements in personalized medicine and our understanding of genetic diseases
- His co-discovery of the first restriction enzyme, EcoRI, has been instrumental in the development of recombinant DNA technology, which has revolutionized biotechnology and medicine
- Gilbert's contributions have influenced countless researchers and have led to significant advancements in genetic engineering and our understanding of the genetic basis of diseases

## References

1. Mathematics Genealogy Project
2. [1979 Winners. Lasker Foundation](http://www.laskerfoundation.org/awards/1979basic.htm)
3. [The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 1980. nobelprize.org](https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/chemistry/1980/summary/)
4. [Table showing prize amounts. Nobel Foundation. 2019](https://www.nobelprize.org/uploads/2019/04/prize-amounts-2020.pdf)
5. [Source](https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/research/louisa-gross-horwitz-prize/horwitz-prize-awardees/1980-1967-awardees)
6. [Source](https://www.nasonline.org/programs/awards/molecular-biology.html)
7. Complete List of Royal Society Fellows 1660-2007
8. [Source](https://www.theaic.org/award_winners/goldmedal.html)
9. general catalog of BnF
10. Virtual International Authority File
11. NNDB
12. SNAC
13. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
14. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
15. Munzinger Personen
16. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
17. Library of Congress Control Number
18. [Source](http://www.nasonline.org/member-directory/living-member-list.html)