I Ethics, Law, and Policy Biosketch

Robert H. Waterston, M.D., Ph.D.

Dr. Waterston is an internationally noted scientific leader and one of the early architects in gene mapping and DNA sequencing and currently serves as Chair of Genome Sciences at the University of Washington. His work on large-scale DNA sequencing was critical to the success of the Human Genome Project, for which he was the central coordinator for the physical map that formed the framework for the enterprise. More recently, he has led efforts to determine the genome sequences of the nematode Caenorhabditis briggsae, the mouse, and the chimpanzee, as well as to finish the sequencing of the human genome and to define a high-resolution human SNP map. His current research is aimed at understanding how genomic information is interpreted to enable life. Specifically, his laboratory is exploring ways to contribute to the understanding of two of these genomes, those of the human and of the nematode worm, C. elegans. Among his numerous awards, he is the recipient of the 2002 International Gairdner Award, the Genetics Society of America’s Beadle Award, and the first Dan David Prize. He is also a member of the National Academy of Sciences. Dr. Waterston has published 131 papers and 13 books, chapters, and reviews.