David Baker (biochemist)

David Baker is a prominent American biochemist and computational biologist, born in 1962. He has made significant contributions to the field of chemistry, particularly in the areas of protein design and structure prediction. Through his work, Baker has developed innovative methods to design proteins and predict their three-dimensional structures, advancing the understanding of these complex molecules.

Baker holds several distinguished positions, including the Henrietta and Aubrey Davis Endowed Professor in Biochemistry, as well as being an investigator with the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. He is also an adjunct professor in multiple departments at the University of Washington, including genome sciences, bioengineering, chemical engineering, computer science, and physics. His groundbreaking work in computational protein design was recognized with the shared 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, a testament to his pioneering achievements in the field.