David Baltimore: a Tribute

by David Evans Shaw

I join many others around the world honoring the extraordinary life and impact of Dr. David Baltimore. He was one of the great scientists and scientific leaders of his generation who not only made legendary contributions to our understanding of biology, but also helped reshape the culture of science itself.

David’s discovery of reverse transcriptase was nothing short of transformational. It opened up entirely new ways of thinking about how information flows in living systems and laid the groundwork for modern molecular biology, cancer research, and ultimately the development of lifesaving therapies. For that work, he was awarded the Nobel Prize at the age of 37 — but that was only the beginning.

As president of Caltech, and throughout his career, David built institutions with the same care and creativity with which he built ideas. He championed young scientists, giving them the freedom to explore bold questions. He fought for scientific rigor and integrity, insisting that the pursuit of truth demanded both brilliance and humility. And he never lost sight of science’s higher purpose: to serve society, to improve human health, and to illuminate the unknown.

Beyond the laboratory and the lecture hall, David was a force for good in the world. He spoke out on public policy, bioethics, and global health. He helped shape the very way we think about the relationship between science and society. His influence is visible in every corner of modern biology — from the sequencing of genomes to the fight against HIV and cancer, from the training of young scientists to the creation of a culture that values both discovery and responsibility.

I am grateful for the times we shared — conversations about science, leadership, and the responsibilities that come with discovery. I’m appreciative of his advice in my own leadership roles at The Jackson Laboratory, AAAS, IDEXX Laboratories and elsewhere, and I was grateful to be able to lead a tribute to him a decade ago in New York City. 

One of his great gifts was the ability to inspire others to think bigger, to aim higher, to take on questions that seemed impossible.

Today, we say goodbye to a giant. David Baltimore’s life was a testament to curiosity, courage, and conviction. His ideas will continue to shape the frontiers of science, and his example will continue to inspire those who dare to follow.