Feng Zhang

1981– — China/USA

Era: Modern

Brilliance: 9/10 | Stewardship: 7/10 | Composite Index: 63

CRISPR tool developer. Made gene editing practical.

"The potential of CRISPR is that it makes gene editing so efficient and accessible that it can be applied across many different fields."

Biography

Feng Zhang is a molecular biologist who pioneered the adaptation of CRISPRCas9 as a precise geneediting tool in mammalian cells, fundamentally transforming genetic medicine. As an MIT researcher and Broad Institute core member, he developed accessible methodologies that democratized gene editing across laboratories worldwide. His work has enabled breakthroughs in treating genetic diseases and established the foundation for modern precision medicine applications.

Key Facts

First to demonstrate CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing in mammalian cells (2013), a watershed moment for the technology
Holds multiple foundational CRISPR patents and co-founded Editas Medicine, valued at billions
Developed specialized CRISPR variants (base editing, prime editing) that enable corrections without double-strand breaks
MIT PhD (2009) under structural biologist Phillip Sharp; previously studied neuroscience at Harvard College
Won the 2021 Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences alongside Jennifer Doudna and Emmanuelle Charpentier

Made CRISPR practical. Turned gene editing from lab curiosity into medicine.

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