- David Baker, Demis Hassabis, and John Jumper win Nobel Prize for revolutionary work on protein structures.
- AI tool AlphaFold2, developed by Hassabis and Jumper, predicts nearly all known protein structures, transforming research.
David Baker, Demis Hassabis, and John Jumper have been awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their groundbreaking work on protein structures. Proteins, essential to all living organisms, play a crucial role in various biological processes. Better understanding of these structures has led to significant advancements in medicine and biotechnology.
David Baker, based in the US, developed a new approach to designing proteins using amino acids, opening up possibilities for creating novel proteins that can be applied in pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and other medical tools. Expressing his gratitude for the recognition, Baker said he stood “on the shoulders of giants” and recounted the excitement of receiving the early-morning call with the Nobel news.
Demis Hassabis and John Jumper, co-creators of AlphaFold2, were recognized for their work in predicting the structures of nearly all known proteins using artificial intelligence. AlphaFold2 has revolutionized the field of chemistry and biology by providing accurate protein structures, benefiting researchers worldwide. The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, which made the announcement in Stockholm, described the tool as a “complete revolution,” highlighting its widespread use, with around 200 million people now utilizing it.
Hassabis, co-founder of the AI research company Google DeepMind, and Jumper’s contributions have had a profound impact on scientific research, driving new innovations in drug development and understanding of biological processes. The Nobel committee acknowledged the trio’s work as a significant leap in science.
The trio will share the prize fund of 11 million Swedish kronor (£810,000), with Baker receiving half and Hassabis and Jumper sharing the other half. Their groundbreaking discoveries mark a new era of scientific achievement in understanding and manipulating proteins.
