Nobel Laureate David Baltimore Dies at 87, Leaves Legacy in Biotech and Ethics
September 8, 2025
Throughout his career, Baltimore received numerous prestigious awards, including the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, and published over 700 scientific articles, leaving a significant legacy in biology and medicine.
His contributions to science earned him the National Medal of Science and positions on various advisory boards, cementing his influence in the field.
Baltimore joined MIT in 1968, where his groundbreaking research challenged the central dogma of molecular biology, ultimately earning him the Nobel Prize in 1975.
Even in retirement, Baltimore remained deeply engaged in scientific research, founding biotech companies and actively participating in discussions on CRISPR, genome editing, and bioethics.
He continued to influence scientific policy and discourse, emphasizing the importance of ethical oversight in biotechnology.
He was renowned for his work in virology, especially the discovery of reverse transcriptase, which was pivotal in understanding retroviruses like HIV and advancing gene therapy.
Baltimore's research significantly contributed to understanding retroviruses and their role in diseases such as AIDS, influencing treatments and genetic research.
He held leadership roles at the Whitehead Institute, Rockefeller University, and Caltech, where he successfully increased funding and raised over $1.1 billion to support scientific advancement.
Baltimore served as president of Caltech and Rockefeller University, significantly elevating these institutions' profiles and research capabilities.
David Baltimore, a Nobel laureate and former Caltech president, passed away at age 87 in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, leaving behind a legacy of pioneering research.
He is survived by his wife, Alice, and daughter, T.K., and is remembered as a pioneering scientist and influential leader in biomedical research.
Baltimore played a key role in public debates on genetic engineering, bioethics, and biotechnology regulation, advocating for responsible scientific progress.
Summary based on 3 sources
Get a daily email with more Science stories
Sources

Yahoo News • Sep 8, 2025
David Baltimore, Nobel Prize-winning scientist and former Caltech president, dies at 87
Los Angeles Times • Sep 8, 2025
David Baltimore dead: Former Caltech president, Nobel winner was 87 - Los Angeles Times
The Boston Globe • Sep 7, 2025
David Baltimore, MIT molecular biologist, Nobel laureate, dies at 87