News Summary
David Baltimore, the esteemed molecular biologist and Nobel Prize winner, passed away on September 6, 2025, after a brave battle with cancer. His contributions to science, particularly his work on HIV and cancer research, have left a lasting legacy. Baltimore’s impact on the field of molecular biology, as well as his leadership at Caltech, highlights his dedication to education and research. He is survived by his wife and daughter. A memorial service is planned to honor his significant achievements.
Pasadena, California — David Baltimore, a prominent molecular biologist and Nobel laureate, passed away on September 6, 2025, at the age of 87 after a courageous battle with cancer. His wife, Alice Huang, confirmed his death, noting that he was in hospice care in Massachusetts, where the family maintains a summer home.
Born on March 7, 1938, in New York City, Baltimore’s remarkable career in science and medicine spanned several decades. He is survived by Huang, his wife of 57 years, and their daughter, TK Baltimore, aged 51. Baltimore’s passing marks the loss of a dedicated scientist who made groundbreaking contributions to the fields of molecular biology and physiology.
Throughout his career, Baltimore was a trailblazer in molecular biology, particularly recognized for his role in developing an HIV vaccine and uncovering crucial insights into cancer research, with notable findings related to chronic myelogenous leukemia. He received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine at just 37 years of age in 1975 for his discovery of reverse transcriptase, a pivotal enzyme that demonstrated the flow of genetic information from RNA to DNA. His work has had lasting implications in both research and clinical applications.
In addition to his Nobel accolade, Baltimore’s contributions to science earned him the National Medal of Science in 1999 and the Lasker~Koshland Special Achievement Award in Medical Science in 2021. Over his extensive career, he published more than 700 peer-reviewed academic articles and became a significant advisor to several pharmaceutical firms, including Amgen, reinforcing his influence in the biotechnology industry.
From 1997 to 2006, Baltimore served as the seventh president of the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), where he led efforts to raise $1.4 billion in a fundraising campaign aimed at enhancing research and education programs. Under his leadership, Caltech also worked to boost diversity among its students and faculty. Additionally, he oversaw the Mars rover program at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory during his presidency, showcasing his dedication to fostering interdisciplinary collaboration.
Despite his many achievements, Baltimore faced challenges during his career, notably when he became embroiled in a scientific misconduct investigation referred to as “the Baltimore affair.” Although the investigation lasted several years, it did not result in any formal accusations against him. This controversy occurred during a period when he was conducting Nobel-winning research. Nevertheless, he was reinstated in the academic community and continued to make valuable contributions, eventually becoming a professor emeritus.
After stepping down as president, Baltimore remained active in the scientific community. He advised new biotech companies and worked internationally with research students from various countries, including China and Greece, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to education and global scientific collaboration. His fervent activism also marked his career; he participated in protests against the Vietnam War in 1970, showcasing his engagement with important societal issues.
A memorial service for Baltimore is being planned by Caltech to honor his legacy and contributions to science and education. Current Caltech President, Thomas Rosenbaum, acknowledged Baltimore’s transformative impact on biology and medicine, recognizing him as a respected mentor and leader whose influence will be felt for generations to come.
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Additional Resources
- Pasadena Star News
- Wikipedia: David Baltimore
- Los Angeles Times
- Google Search: David Baltimore Nobel Prize
- New York Times
- Encyclopedia Britannica: David Baltimore
- The Scientist
- Google News: David Baltimore Obituary
- Ars Technica
- Google Scholar: David Baltimore
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