Dr. Eugene V. Koonin is a preeminent figure in evolutionary genomics and bioinformatics, whose groundbreaking research has profoundly shaped our understanding of genome evolution, biological diversity, and horizontal gene transfer. His pioneering theoretical innovations and computational methods have redefined key aspects of evolutionary biology, while his extensive studies on viral evolution and the origins of life continue to influence the field.
Born in Moscow, Dr. Koonin earned his PhD in molecular biology from Moscow State University in 1983. His early work at the USSR Academy of Medical Sciences in virus biochemistry and bacterial genetics laid the foundation for his transition into the field of computational biology. In 1991, he joined the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) at the US National Institutes of Health (NIH), where he currently serves as a Distinguished Investigator and leads the Evolutionary Genomics Group.
Dr. Koonin’s research spans the frontiers of evolutionary and computational biology. Through comparative genome analysis, he has developed influential methods that improve genome annotation and clarify how complex biological systems emerge and evolve, as well as the fundamental principles governing genome evolution across life forms. His book, The Logic of Chance: The Nature and Origin of Biological Evolution, is widely regarded as a cornerstone text in evolutionary biology.
A scientist of international renown, Dr. Koonin has forged meaningful academic connections worldwide and has significantly contributed to scholarly dialogue and the academic community at the Weizmann Institute of Science. In addition to his academic endeavors, Dr. Koonin has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to Israel, where he holds an adjunct professorship position at the University of Haifa. Following the tragic events of October 7, 2023, he traveled to Israel multiple times, volunteering on a farm as a personal act of solidarity.
Dr. Koonin’s exceptional scientific contributions have earned him widespread recognition. He is an elected member of the US National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Medicine, and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Among his many distinguished honors are the Benjamin Franklin Award for Open Access in the Life Sciences (2019), the American Society for Microbiology Award for Basic Research (2022), and a 2023 fellowship in the International Society for Computational Biology (2023).
Through his pioneering research and principled engagement, Dr. Koonin continues to shape the landscape of evolutionary biology while standing as a model of scientific excellence and human empathy—values that deeply align with the mission of the institutions he supports.