Biography
David R. Liu is a leading figure in the field of genome editing and precision medicine. As a core institute member at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Dr. Liu's groundbreaking research has revolutionized the field of gene editing, paving the way for transformative therapeutic applications. Dr. Liu is renowned for his pioneering work in developing base editing and prime editing, two innovative techniques that enable precise and efficient modifications of DNA without causing double-stranded breaks. Base editing allows for the direct conversion of one DNA base into another, while prime editing enables the precise substitution, insertion, or deletion of DNA sequences with unprecedented accuracy. These revolutionary genome editing technologies hold immense promise for treating a wide range of genetic diseases, including rare disorders, cancer, and inherited disorders. Dr. Liu's research has not only advanced our fundamental understanding of genome editing but has also opened up new avenues for personalized medicine and targeted therapy. In addition to his contributions to genome editing, Dr. Liu has also made significant strides in the evolution of proteins with therapeutic potential using phage-assisted continuous evolution (PACE) and the discovery of bioactive small molecules using DNA-templated organic synthesis and DNA-encoded libraries. Dr. Liu's exceptional achievements have earned him numerous accolades and awards, including election to the US National Academy of Sciences, the US National Academy of Medicine, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. In 2022, he was honored with the prestigious King Faisal Prize Laureate in Medicine for his outstanding contributions to the field of precision medicine.