Walter Gilbert
Science Talent Search – 1949
About Walter Gilbert
An alumnus of the 1949 STS, Walter Gilbert received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry 1980 for developing a method of rapidly sequencing DNA. Gilbert’s discovery helped scientists map the entire human genome. Gilbert became a professor at Harvard University in 1959, studying physics and biology, and contributed to our understanding of mRNA. He also co-founded the biotechnology companies Biogen and Myriad Genetics. Gilbert continues to engage with the Society’s research competitions, speaking at alumni events and is a member of the Society’s Honorary Board.
Science Talent Search
For his 1949 STS project, Gilbert developed a telescope-camera that he used to take pictures of sunspots.
![Notable Alumni - Walter Gilbert](https://www.societyforscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Gilbert-4974401298_6a0517b131_o.jpg)
Gilbert speaking at the 75th STS in 2016.
![Notable Alumni - Walter Gilbert](https://www.societyforscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Gilbert-2016-Society-75-Science-Talent-Search-2-960x640.jpg)
In addition to his work in the field of science, Gilbert is also a photographer and artist.
![Notable Alumni - Walter Gilbert](https://www.societyforscience.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Gilbert-artwork.jpg)