Herbert W. Boyer
National Medal of Technology and Innovation
Medicine
For their fundamental invention of gene splicing techniques allowing replication in quantity of biomedically important new products, and beneficially transformed plant materials. This discovery of recombinant DNA technology has transformed the basic science of molecular biology and the biotechnology industry.
National Medal of Science
Biological Sciences
For his contributions to the basic research of the development of recombinant DNA technology. This seminal breakthrough has opened new vistas in experimental biology, and it has led directly to the development of the biotechnology industry.
VIEW STATISTICS +
Birth
July 10, 1936Age Awarded
53 (Technology)54 (Science)
Awarded With
Stanley N. Cohen (Technology)Country of Birth
USAKey Contributions
Developed Recombinant DNACo-founder of Genentech
Awarded by
George H. W. Bush (Technology)George H. W. Bush (Science)
Education
Saint Vincent CollegeUniversity of Pittsburgh
Areas of Impact
Health & MedicineAffiliations
University of California, San FranciscoOther Prizes
National Inventors Hall of FameLemelson-MIT Prize
At St. Vincent’s College, Herbert W. Boyer started in the pre-med program with the goal of becoming a doctor. By the time he graduated college, Boyer instead decided on a research career—one that contributed significantly to innovative medical treatments.
At a conference in Hawaii in the early 70s, Boyer met Stanley Cohen and the two began a collaboration that eventually led to the creation of the first recombinant DNA. Recombinant DNA is the process of taking genetic material from one organism and introducing it into another organism, where it is replicated and expressed. Their development pioneered the field of genetic engineering.
Venture capitalist Robert Swanson approached Boyer with a proposal to develop and market the technology. Boyer and Swanson co-founded the company Genentech, which continues to be one of the largest biotechnology companies in the world. Using Boyer and Cohen’s recombinant DNA technology, Genentech developed the method for synthesizing human insulin. The company continues to research and develop lifesaving treatments for diseases.
By Jen Santisi