British computer scientist Demis Hassabis has earned a share of the prestigious Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his groundbreaking contributions to protein research, hailed as “revolutionary” advancements in understanding the very essence of life.
At 48, Hassabis co-founded an influential artificial intelligence enterprise that has made significant strides in the field. He shares this remarkable recognition with Professor John Jumper, a collaborator on their innovative projects, and US-based Professor David Baker.
Proteins, essential components found in every cell of the human body, play a critical role in numerous biological processes. Enhanced knowledge of proteins has catalyzed monumental advancements in medicine.
Utilizing artificial intelligence, Hassabis and Jumper successfully predicted the structures of nearly all known proteins, leading to the development of AlphaFold2, a transformative tool in the biochemical landscape. The Nobel committee described this achievement as a “complete revolution” in chemistry, affirming its global impact with over 200 million users.
Professor Baker has also innovated by using amino acids to design new proteins, unlocking potential for advancements in pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and other critical applications. Post-announcement, Baker expressed his excitement and honor, reflecting humility by stating, “I stood on the shoulders of giants” when discussing his groundbreaking work in protein design.
The announcement was made by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences during a press conference in Stockholm, Sweden. The laureates will share a prize fund of 11 million Swedish kronor, approximately £810,000, with Baker receiving half of the award, while Hassabis and Jumper will split the remaining sum.
