Dr. Tom Maniatis stands as a preeminent figure in molecular biology whose career has spanned foundational scientific discovery and translational innovation. He currently serves as the Isidore S. Edelman Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics at Columbia University and holds leadership positions as Scientific Director and Chief Executive Officer of the New York Genome Center, which he co-founded in 2010. After earning his B.A. and M.S. degrees in biology and chemistry from the University of Colorado and completing his Ph.D. in molecular biology at Vanderbilt University, he conducted postdoctoral research at Harvard University and the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge, England. His distinguished academic journey includes faculty appointments at Harvard University, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, and the California Institute of Technology before joining Columbia University in 2010, where he also founded the Columbia University Precision Medicine Initiative.
Dr. Maniatis is renowned for pioneering the development of gene cloning technology that revolutionized molecular biology and launched the biotechnology industry. His co-authorship of the seminal Molecular Cloning manual provided the definitive laboratory guide that empowered generations of scientists worldwide to isolate and study genes. His laboratory made fundamental discoveries in gene regulation mechanisms and RNA splicing, establishing critical frameworks for understanding genetic expression and disease. More recently, his research has focused on the molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases, particularly ALS, where his work has identified potential therapeutic targets and pathways for intervention.
Beyond his direct research contributions, Dr. Maniatis has profoundly shaped the scientific landscape through strategic leadership and institution building. He co-founded multiple biotechnology companies including Genetics Institute, ProScript, Acceleron, and Kallyope, translating basic research into clinically approved therapies. As a member of both the National Academy of Sciences and National Academy of Medicine, he continues to influence scientific policy and direction through advisory roles including his service on the boards of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Jackson Laboratory, and the Rockefeller University. His current work at the New York Genome Center and Columbia University focuses on advancing precision medicine through genomic technologies, with particular emphasis on understanding and treating neurological disorders, ensuring his legacy of bridging fundamental science with clinical impact will continue to drive biomedical progress.
