Innovative gene-modifying tech creator Feng Zhang receives $500,000 Lemelson-MIT Award
Feng Zhang, an eminent scientist renowned for his pivotal role in the development of CRISPR-Cas9, TAL effector proteins, and optogenetics, has been awarded the 2017 $500,000 Lemelson-MIT Prize. This distinction marks the most considerable cash prize for invention in the United States.
Zhang, a core member of the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, and an investigator at the McGovern Institute for Brain Research, has made substantial contributions to the scientific community. He holds the James and Patricia Poitras Professor in Neuroscience at MIT, and associate professorships in the departments of Brain and Cognitive Sciences and Biological Engineering at MIT.
In 2013, Zhang and his team successfully demonstrated the use of CRISPR-Cas9 for genome editing in mammalian cells. This development has transformed genetic engineering, offering the potential for precise and efficient gene editing across various species, including humans. CRISPR, an abbreviation for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats, serves as a groundbreaking, user-friendly gene-editing tool. Zhang promotes further advancements in genetics by encouraging the sharing of tools and fostering scientific collaboration.
Zhang's lab has trained thousands of researchers in the use of CRISPR technology and has shared over 40,000 plasmid samples with global research institutions since 2013, enhancements made possible through the nonprofit Addgene. This widespread accessibility has catalyzed the rapid growth and application of CRISPR-based tools for researchers worldwide.
Prior to focusing on CRISPR-Cas9, Zhang engineered microbial TAL effector proteins for use in mammalian cells in collaboration with colleagues at Harvard University. This work resulted in numerous publications and several patents on TALE-based technologies. Additionally, Zhang collaborated on research at Stanford University that harnessed microbial opsins for the development of optogenetics, a technique that uses light signals and light-sensitive proteins to monitor and manipulate brain cell activity. This technology is instrumental in understanding the connection between brain cells and mental and neurological illnesses.
Zhang's Myriad of achievements, combined with his commitment to mentorship and collaboration, have earned him the Lemelson-MIT Prize. The award honors notable mid-career inventors who contribute to the world through technological innovation and demonstrate a dedication to fostering the next generation of scientists in STEM fields.
"Feng's creative problem-solving abilities and commitment to innovation impressed us," says Stephanie Couch, executive director of the Lemelson-MIT Program. "Beyond the scope of his personal accomplishments, Feng and his lab have also enabled thousands of scientists globally to advance their research through unrestricted access to cutting-edge technology."
"It is a profound honor to receive the Lemelson-MIT Prize, joining the ranks of inventors who have achieved great things in the past," says Zhang. "Invention has consistently been a driving force in my life, as I continuously strive to solve complex problems creatively. This prize serves as a testament to the tireless work of my team and the unwavering support of my family, teachers, colleagues, and counterparts around the world."
The $500,000 prize carries no restrictions on its application, and its funding comes from The Lemelson Foundation, the primary supporter of invention in service of social and economic change.
"We are delighted to recognize Dr. Zhang for his groundbreaking work in genetics and, more importantly, his willingness to share his findings to further global research," says Dorothy Lemelson, chair of The Lemelson Foundation. "Zhang's work serves as a powerful inspiration for the next generation of world-changing innovators."
Zhang will speak at "EmTech MIT," MIT Technology Review's annual conference on emerging technologies, slated for Tuesday, Nov. 7, at the MIT Media Lab.
Nominations for the 2018 $500,000 Lemelson-MIT Prize are currently being accepted by the Lemelson-MIT Program. Interested parties can contact the Lemelson-MIT Program at [email protected] or visit the MIT-Lemelson Prize website for more information.
- Feng Zhang, a professor in MIT's departments of Brain and Cognitive Sciences and Biological Engineering, also holds the investigator position at the McGovern Institute for Brain Research.
- Zhang's achievements in genetics, coupled with his dedication to mentorship, led to him receiving the 2017 Lemelson-MIT Prize.
- The Lemelson-MIT Prize, worth $500,000, is the most significant cash prize for invention in the United States.
- Zhang's pioneering work in genetics, such as the development of CRISPR-Cas9, has transformed the field of genetic engineering.
- CRISPR-Cas9, a user-friendly gene-editing tool, has the potential for precise and efficient gene editing across various species, including humans.
- Zhang's lab has shared over 40,000 plasmid samples with global research institutions since 2013, fostering the rapid growth of CRISPR-based tools worldwide.
- Zhang's contributions extend beyond genetics, as he was also involved in the development of optogenetics, a technique that monitors and manipulates brain cell activity using light signals.
- The Lemelson-MIT Prize honors mid-career inventors who contribute to the world through technological innovation and dedicate themselves to nurturing the next generation of scientists in STEM fields.
- The award's funding comes from The Lemelson Foundation, which supports invention in service of social and economic change.
- Those interested in nominating a candidate for the 2018 $500,000 Lemelson-MIT Prize can contact the Lemelson-MIT Program or visit their website for more information.
