Nobel prize in chemistry for AI-driven protein structure research

Three scientists, David Baker, John Jumper, and Demis Hassabis, have been awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their groundbreaking work on proteins. Baker, an American professor at the University of Washington, was recognised for his innovations in computational protein design. At the same time, Hassabis and Jumper, both from Google DeepMind, were honoured for their advancements in predicting protein structures using AI. Their research has opened new doors in drug development and other scientific fields.

Hassabis and Jumper, through their AI model AlphaFold2, achieved a breakthrough by predicting the structure of nearly all known proteins. The advancement has broad applications, including a better understanding of antibiotic resistance and even designing enzymes to break down plastics. Baker, meanwhile, focused on creating entirely new proteins that can be used to tackle global challenges such as climate change and emerging diseases.

The Nobel Prize, considered among the highest honours in science, comes with a reward of 11 million Swedish crowns (approximately $1.1 million). Hassabis expressed his excitement about the recognition, calling it surreal and thanking his colleagues. The award highlights the growing importance of AI and machine learning in scientific innovation.

Baker, who was caught off guard by the announcement, explained how his work in protein design has been driven by the goal of solving critical global problems. His research into creating new proteins has already led to developments in pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and nanotechnology, opening the door to future solutions in other areas.

The recognition marks the second Nobel Prize this week for research involving AI, underlining AI’s transformative role in science. During the prestigious Nobel banquet in Stockholm, the laureates will receive their medals from the Swedish king in December.