Christopher T. Walsh

Biography

 Dr. Walsh’s research spans the interface between chemistry, biology and medicine. Projects focus on the chemical logic and enzymatic machinery of life, mechanism-based enzyme inhibitors, and biosynthesis and mechanism of action of natural antibiotics and antitumor agents. Dr. Walsh’s career has spanned both academic research and academic administration; the latter includes stints as Chair of MIT Chemistry department at MIT (1982- 1987), Chair of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology Department at HMS (1987 – 1995), and President and CEO of Dana Farber Cancer Institute (1992 – 1995). Dr. Walsh earned an A.B. in biology from Harvard University and a Ph.D. in life sciences from The Rockefeller University and completed postdoctoral work at Brandeis University. He has co-authored almost 800 research papers and books. He is a member of the National Academy of Sciences, the Institute of Medicine, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the American Philosophical Society. For over 30 years, Dr. Walsh has consulted with government, academic institutions, pharmaceutical companies and biotechs. At present, he is a member of the Board of Directors of Ironwood, Achaogen and Proteostasis, as well as on the Scientific Advisory Boards of Eisai, Epizyme, Verastem, and LS9. He is also involved with several nonprofit organizations, Howard Hughes Medical Institute (Scientific Review Board), Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research (Scientific Advisory Committee) and Calibr (Scientific Advisory Board Chair).

Research Interest

 chemical logic and enzymatic machinery of life, mechanism-based enzyme inhibitors, and biosynthesis and mechanism of action of natural antibiotics and antitumor agents.