Joachim Frank

Joachim Frank was born on September 12, 1940, in Siegen, Germany. He would go on to become a prominent biophysicist and a Nobel laureate, known for developing the method of cryo-electron microscopy to obtain high-resolution structures of biomolecules in solution. His work has had a significant impact on structural biology, allowing researchers to observe the structures of molecules that were previously too difficult to study.

In 1970, Joachim Frank received his Ph.D. in physics from the Technical University of Munich. His doctoral thesis focused on image processing, setting the stage for his later research in electron microscopy. This academic milestone was critical in his development as a scientist, leading to his pioneering contributions to cryo-electron microscopy.

In 1981, Joachim Frank published critical work on the development of a single-particle reconstruction method to enhance the quality of electron microscopy images. This method allowed researchers to compile multiple 2D images of biomolecules into a more detailed 3D image, advancing the field considerably and laying groundwork for his and others' future Nobel-winning research.

On January 1, 1990, Joachim Frank became a U.S. citizen. Originally from Germany, Frank moved to the United States where he has spent much of his career. Becoming a U.S. citizen was an important step personally and professionally, allowing for easier collaboration and integration within the American scientific community.

In 2008, Joachim Frank joined Columbia University as a professor, where he continued his research in cryo-electron microscopy. His move to Columbia marked a significant chapter in his career, providing him with new opportunities to teach and collaborate with other leading scientists in structural biology, further cementing his status as a leader in his field.

On October 4, 2017, Joachim Frank was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, along with Richard Henderson and Jacques Dubochet, for developing cryo-electron microscopy. This technique revolutionized biochemistry by simplifying and improving the imaging of biomolecules, thus allowing for better visualization of their structures in high resolution. Frank's contributions to this technology have had a profound impact on medical and biological research.

In February 2018, Joachim Frank published his autobiography, "A Joyful Life - Insights from a Biologist and Nobel Laureate," in which he recounts his journey from his childhood in Germany to becoming a Nobel laureate. The book offers a personal insight into the life and mind of a great scientist, including anecdotes from his career in cryo-electron microscopy and his philosophical reflections.

On October 6, 2018, Joachim Frank participated in the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting, an annual gathering where Nobel laureates meet with young scientists to discuss significant issues in research and society. Frank shared insights from his groundbreaking work in cryo-electron microscopy, encouraging aspiring researchers and fostering understanding and collaboration.

In early 2019, Joachim Frank's landmark paper on cryo-EM, providing a detailed analysis of advancements in imaging techniques, was published in a leading scientific journal. The paper underscores his ongoing impact on the field and his continuous efforts to refine and push the boundaries of electron microscopy's capabilities.

Joachim Frank retired from his position at Columbia University in May 2022, concluding a notable chapter of his academic and research career. His retirement marks the end of an era at Columbia, but his work continues to influence the field of structural biology globally. Frank remains a prominent figure in the scientific community through his publications and ongoing research projects.