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
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Who we are

A Legacy of Scientific Innovation

Charles De Lisi PhD 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
  • Senior Scientist, Los Alamos National Laboratory
  • Founding Head, Section on Theoretical Immunology, NIH
  • Professor and Department Chair, Mount Sinai School of Medicine
  • Dean Emeritus, Boston University College of Engineering
  • Director of the Department of Energy’s Health and Environmental Research Programs
  • Advisor to the Federal Government, Congress, and industry

Photo: Charles De Lisi with Senator Pete Domenici

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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 Angstrom, 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, Charles DeLisi, PhD 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?”

“Charles DeLisi’s Why Don’t Spinning Tops Fall? is an imaginative, intellectually vibrant book that merges science, storytelling and familial warmth. His writing glows with personality. Caroline isn’t just a mouthpiece for questions. She’s real. She banters, challenges, and jokes. The conversations in the book don’t just have questions and answers but also showcase the interplay of different perspectives in family members and friends, mimicking the flow of real-life discussions, where a question sparks another and one’s understanding deepens through shared exploration. The discussions often diverge into unexpected territory ranging from ethical debates to poetry, literature and music, while always returning to the central theme of science.”

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

 

Quote From Literary Titan

"DeLisi’s writing glows with personality—witty, warm, and sometimes deliciously nerdy. I genuinely loved the way the characters banter. Caroline isn’t just a mouthpiece for questions—she’s real."

Quote from Kirkus Reviews

"DeLisi proves to be a superb teacher ... his explications, with accompanying graphs and charts (all well-chosen, and never overwhelming), wonderfully demystify the many wonders of the everyday organized into prose that’s formidable but never intimidating."

RESEARCH & CONTRIBUTIONS

Transforming Science Through Innovation

Over five decades of pioneering research in computational biology, genomics, and biomedical science
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The Human Genome Project In 1986
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.
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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.
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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.
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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:

Dr. DeLisi's transformative contributions to science and education have been honored with prestigious awards from presidential recognition to literary acclaim.
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 Honours at Boston University
· Charles DeLisi PhD dissertation award in Bioinformatics Click Here
· Charles DeLisi PhD, Lobby College of Engineering.
· Charles DeLisi PhD Distinguished Lecture, College of Engineering
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

charlesdelisi@gmail.com

Empowering scientists to innovate with precision and integrity.