Dr. Charles Delisi, Ph.D.

Metcalf Professor of Science and Engineering Boston University

Father of the Human Genome Project | Award-Winning Author | Scientific Pioneer

Published scientific papers

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Authored or co-edited books

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Presidential Citizens Medal

Who we are

A Legacy of Scientific Innovation

Dr. Charles DeLisi is a distinguished biomedical scientist whose visionary leadership launched one of science's most ambitious endeavors: the Human Genome Project. As the Metcalf Professor of Science and Engineering at Boston University, his career spans groundbreaking contributions to computational biology, academic leadership, and public science education.

Career Highlights

National Institutes of Health Postdoctoral Fellow, Yale University
Senior Scientist, National Cancer Institute
Founding Head, Section on Theoretical Immunology, NIH
Professor and Department Chair, Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Dean Emeritus, Boston University College of Engineering

Trusted by 25,000+ world-class brands and organizations of all sizes

Pioneering Research

Transforming biomedical science through computational approaches and visionary initiatives like the Human Genome Project—establishing new standards for collaborative research that continues to shape modern medicine.

Knowledge Sharing

Building bridges between cutting-edge science and public understanding through award-winning writing, pioneering educational programs, and commitment to making rigorous science accessible and inspiring.

Inspiring Curiosity

Excellence through curiosity and rigor. Whether pioneering the Human Genome Project or exploring physics with young minds, transformative science requires both bold vision and dedication to accessible, ethical practice.

Conversations With Curious Caroline

Why Don't Spinning Tops Fall?

Literary Titan Gold Book Award Winner

“Bestowed upon books that we find perfect in their delivery of original content using fresh themes to convey innovative ideas and employing elegant prose to transform words into expertly written literature.”

An imaginative journey through the wonders of science, told through the eyes of Caroline, a curious teenager whose endless questions spark deep, delightful conversations about physics, climate change, artificial intelligence, music, and more. Over nine years of engaging dialogue, Dr. Charles DeLisi weaves storytelling and science into vibrant conversations that captivate readers of all ages. From unraveling the mysteries of spinning tops and the timbre of music to examining Earth’s fragile climate and the future of artificial intelligence, this book inspires readers to rediscover the joy of asking “Why?”

Perfect for:

Thoughtful teens exploring their curiosity
Curious adults who love understanding how the world works
Educators seeking to inspire scientific wonder
Families who enjoy learning together

What readers are saying:

"A groundbreaking guide for teens and parents alike, redefining science education and setting a new standard for inspiring future learners."

RESEARCH & CONTRIBUTIONS

Transforming Science Through Innovation

Over five decades of pioneering research in computational biology, genomics, and biomedical science

The Human Genome Project In 1986

Dr. Charles DeLisi's visionary proposal to sequence the complete human genome initiated a scientific revolution. The project not only mapped our genetic blueprint but established ethical frameworks, computational methods, and collaborative approaches that continue to shape modern biology.

Computational & Mathematical Immunology

Groundbreaking work in theoretical immunology, developing analytical methods for understanding cell biology and protein structure prediction that remain influential in contemporary research.

Genomics & Bioinformatics

Established one of the earliest protein and DNA sequence databases integrated with machine learning for functional inference, pioneering the computational approaches now fundamental to biological research.

Emerging Fields

Recent research extends to mathematical finance and climate change solutions, demonstrating continued innovation across scientific disciplines.

RECOGNITION & HONORS

Timeline or Grid of Achievements:

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Presidential Citizens Medal (2001)

Recognized nationally for visionary leadership that launched the Human Genome Project and reshaped modern biomedical research worldwide.

Literary Titan Gold Book Award (2024)

Honored for exploring scientific curiosity through literature, making complex physics concepts accessible, engaging, and intellectually inspiring globally.

Townsend Harris Medal (1999)

Awarded by City College alumni for distinguished service, academic excellence, and lasting contributions to science education nationwide.

Informa Clinical & Research Excellence Lifetime Achievement Award (2019)

Lifetime achievement honor recognizing decades of transformative impact across clinical research, policy leadership, and scientific innovation internationally.

Honorary Citizen of Marineo, Italy (2011)

Granted honorary citizenship for strengthening cultural, scientific, and civic ties between international research communities through enduring collaboration.

U.S. Department of Energy Commemorative Plaque

Federal recognition commemorating foundational leadership that transformed an early concept into the historic Human Genome Project initiative.

Named Honors at Boston University

Institutional honors celebrating enduring influence on engineering scholarship, mentorship, and interdisciplinary research at Boston University programs globally.

EDUCATION & BACKGROUND

Academic Journey

PhD. in Physics New York University (1965-1969)

Bachelor of Arts in History

City College of New York (1963)

Postdoctoral Fellow

Yale University, Department of Chemistry National Institutes of Health Research Fellowship

Teaching Philosophy:

Founded and chaired the first PhD program in the nation in Bioinformatics and Systems Biology. It has now granted more than 180 doctoral degrees and more than 200 master's degrees. This is relevant to the impact on STEM education

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