Joshua Lederberg Autograph

Profession:
(1925-2008) American molecular biologist known for his work in microbial genetics, artificial intelligence, and the United States space program - he won the 1958 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine

Year of Birth: 1925

Joshua Lederberg was an American molecular biologist and geneticist who made significant contributions to the field of genetics. He was born on May 23, 1925, in Montclair, New Jersey, and grew up with a passion for science.

Lederberg attended Columbia University, where he received his bachelor's degree in zoology in 1944. He then went on to earn his Ph.D. in microbiology in 1947, at the age of 22. His doctoral research focused on the genetics of bacteria.

After completing his studies, Lederberg joined the faculty at the University of Wisconsin-Madison as an assistant professor of genetics. It was during his time there that he made one of his most significant discoveries - the process of bacterial conjugation, through which genetic material is transferred between bacteria.

In 1958, Lederberg was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine at the age of 33, becoming one of the youngest Nobel laureates ever. He was recognized for his work on the discovery of the principle of recombination in bacteria and the significant implications it had for the field of genetics.

Lederberg went on to have a remarkable career, serving as the president of The Rockefeller University from 1978 to 1990. He also contributed to the field of exobiology, which investigates the potential for extraterrestrial life. He was involved in the search for life on Mars through the Viking program in the 1970s.

Throughout his life, Lederberg published numerous scientific papers and received several awards and honors for his groundbreaking contributions to genetics. He passed away on February 2, 2008, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the field of molecular biology and genetics.