Two alumni from the University of Cambridge, Sir Demis Hassabis and Dr. John Jumper, were jointly awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their significant contributions to the field of protein structure prediction through an artificial intelligence (AI) model.
Introduction of AlphaFold2
In 2020, Hassabis and Jumper, who are associated with Google DeepMind, introduced AlphaFold2, a revolutionary AI model designed to predict the structures of nearly all known proteins, which amounts to approximately 200 million. This advancement has been utilized by more than two million users in 190 countries and has facilitated developments in various scientific domains, including a better understanding of antibiotic resistance and the innovation of enzymes that can decompose plastic.
Recognition of Contributions
The 2024 Nobel Prize was awarded jointly to Hassabis and Jumper, along with Professor David Baker from the University of Washington, who has been instrumental in protein design since 2003.
Background of Sir Demis Hassabis
Sir Demis Hassabis studied Computer Science at Queens’ College, Cambridge, enrolling in 1994. He completed a PhD in cognitive neuroscience at University College London and subsequently founded a video game company, Elixir Studios. In 2010, he co-founded DeepMind, which gained attention in 2016 for its AI models that excelled in traditional board games, notably defeating a champion player in Go. In recognition of his contributions, Hassabis received a knighthood in 2024. His company also contributed to the establishment of a DeepMind Chair of Machine Learning at Cambridge, with Professor Neil Lawrence appointed to the position.
Background of Dr. John Jumper
Dr. John Jumper earned an MPhil in theoretical condensed matter physics at Cambridge’s Cavendish Laboratory in 2011, followed by a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Chicago. Jumper has emphasized the considerable potential of computational biology for generating actionable insights in experimental research.
University Acknowledgment
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cambridge, Professor Deborah Prentice, acknowledged the achievements of both alumni, recognizing their contributions to artificial intelligence and their distinction among the university’s notable graduates, which now includes a total of 124 Nobel laureates.
Reactions to the Nobel Prize Recognition
In reactions to their Nobel Prize recognition, both Hassabis and Jumper expressed appreciation for the quality of their education and underscored AI’s transformative role in the realm of scientific discovery.
(Source: University of Cambridge)