Paul Berg

Paul Berg is Professor Emeritus at Stanford University’s School of Medicine and a respected biochemist and geneticist. He is most renowned for his pioneering work involving recombinant DNA, the process of inserting DNA from another species into a molecule, leading to the development of modern genetic engineering. After developing the technique, Berg used it for his studies of viral chromosomes. He has not only been a trailblazer in genetics, but has also helped shape policies for dealing with its possible dangers. His contributions to the biological sciences over the past half-century have earned him the admiration of his colleagues and students, and many honors, including the Albert Lasker Medical Research Award, the National Medal of Science, and the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Professor Berg addressed the student delegates at the 1989 Achievement Summit in San Francisco.