Dana Carroll, distinguished professor in the Department of Biochemistry in the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the University of Utah, is the 2023 recipient of the Rosenblatt Prize for Excellence in recognition of his pioneering work in genome editing.

Carroll was the first to recognize the potential of zinc-finger nucleases as versatile tools for genome editing, laying the groundwork for all gene editing platforms, including CRISPR/Cas and TALENs. His work provided a reliable, efficient and precise method for editing the genomes of many organisms, including plants, livestock, insects, rodents and primates, and has led to the potential to correct genetic diseases in humans. Carroll provided the core underpinning of the research that led to the awarding of the 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry to Jennifer Doudna and Emmanuelle Charpentier.

“Professor Carroll is an internationally renowned researcher who is considered a pioneer in the genome editing revolution and has remarkable record of service to his students, department, college, the university and his profession,” said Taylor Randall, president of the University of Utah. “His leadership in the U’s biochemistry program was fundamental in building a highly successful research department that has been internationally recognized due to the accomplishments of students, postdoctoral trainees and faculty.”

The Rosenblatt Prize is the University of Utah’s highest faculty accolade and is presented annually to a faculty member who transcends ordinary teaching, research and administrative contributions. A group of distinguished faculty members on the Rosenblatt Prize Committee recommends esteemed colleagues for consideration and the university’s president makes the final selection.