Nobel winner David Baker on moving from the ‘lunatic fringe’ to the protein design revolution
At Life Science Innovation Northwest (LSINW) 2025, Dr. David Baker, Nobel Laureate and Director of the Institute for Protein Design at the University of Washington, delivered a keynote address that captivated the audience with insights into the transformative potential of protein design and the growth of the region’s life sciences industry.
The discussion highlighted the rapid advancements in computational biology and the significant impact these innovations are having on medicine and sustainability. Dr. Baker stated that Seattle “has a higher concentration of really world-class expertise in protein design, in terms of workforce, than anywhere else. And so that’s great for companies starting off. The companies also can help each other in many ways.”
Dr. Baker’s leadership at the Institute for Protein Design, coupled with the city’s vibrant biotech ecosystem, exemplifies the region’s role in advancing cutting-edge research and accelerating the translation of scientific discoveries into life-saving treatments.