Dr. Chris Somerville is a distinguished plant biochemist and global leader in plant molecular biology research. He currently serves as Professor Emeritus of Plant and Microbial Biology at the University of California, Berkeley, and as a Program Officer at the Open Philanthropy Project where he strategically supports scientific research initiatives. Following the completion of his PhD in Genetics from the University of Alberta in 1978, he built a remarkable academic career that included influential positions at Stanford University and the Carnegie Institution for Science prior to his appointment at UC Berkeley in 2007. At Berkeley, he founded and directed the Energy Biosciences Institute until 2016, pioneering research that bridged fundamental plant science with sustainable energy applications. His career trajectory reflects a consistent commitment to addressing global challenges through innovative biological research.
Dr. Somerville's groundbreaking research fundamentally transformed our understanding of plant cell wall biosynthesis, particularly in elucidating the mechanisms by which plants synthesize structural and storage components. His extensive publication record of over 250 influential research papers has collectively received more than 72,000 citations, underscoring the profound impact of his contributions to the scientific community. As an early visionary advocate for Arabidopsis thaliana as a model organism, he co-organized the international collaboration that sequenced its genome, establishing Arabidopsis as one of the most widely used plant models in biological research worldwide. This foundational work earned him and Elliot Meyerowitz the prestigious Balzan Prize for their collective role in advancing plant science. His research has provided critical insights for developing sustainable biofuels and biomaterials by understanding how plant components can be depolymerized for industrial applications.
Beyond his laboratory discoveries, Dr. Somerville has profoundly shaped the field through his leadership in major scientific initiatives and his dedication to mentoring future generations of plant scientists. His collaborative approach is evident in his extensive network of international research partnerships that have advanced plant biology as a discipline with global significance. Recognized with numerous prestigious honors including membership in both the National Academy of Sciences and the Royal Society of London, along with six honorary doctorates, his scientific legacy continues to influence contemporary research directions. Currently at the Open Philanthropy Project, he directs strategic resources toward high-impact scientific research, ensuring his commitment to innovation extends to supporting transformative discoveries across multiple scientific domains. His ongoing work exemplifies the vital connection between fundamental research and practical applications for societal benefit.
