Michael Eisen | Vibepedia
Michael Eisen is a renowned American computational biologist, professor, and advocate for open access scientific publishing. He co-founded the Public Library…
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Overview
Michael Eisen was born on April 13, 1967, and grew up with a passion for science and mathematics. He pursued his undergraduate degree at Harvard University, where he was heavily influenced by the works of Stephen Jay Gould and Richard Dawkins. Eisen's graduate studies at Harvard University were supervised by Mark Ptashne, a prominent molecular biologist. His research focused on the regulation of gene expression, a topic that would become a cornerstone of his future work.
🔬 Career & Research
Eisen's career in computational biology has been marked by significant contributions to the field. As a professor of genetics, genomics, and development at the University of California, Berkeley, he has worked alongside esteemed colleagues like Jennifer Doudna and Craig Venter. His research has been published in top-tier journals, including Nature and Science. In 2012, Eisen was appointed as the editor-in-chief of the journal eLife, a position that allowed him to shape the editorial direction of the publication and promote open access principles.
📰 Open Access Advocacy
Michael Eisen is perhaps best known for his tireless advocacy of open access scientific publishing. In 2000, he co-founded the Public Library of Science (PLOS) with Patrick Brown and Harold Varmus. PLOS has become a leading publisher of open access journals, including PLOS Biology and PLOS Medicine. Eisen's work has inspired a new generation of scientists, including Nick Shockey and Jonathan Tennant, to join the open access movement. The impact of PLOS can be seen in the success of other open access publishers, such as BioMed Central and Hindawi.
🗳️ Politics & Public Service
In 2018, Michael Eisen announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate from California as an Independent. Although he failed to qualify for the ballot, his campaign highlighted the need for scientists to engage in public policy and advocacy. Eisen's experience in politics has been influenced by his interactions with Lawrence Lessig and Timothy Geithner. As a public figure, Eisen continues to speak out on issues related to science, technology, and policy, inspiring others to follow in his footsteps, including Randy Schekman and Peter Suber.
Key Facts
- Year
- 2000
- Origin
- United States
- Category
- science
- Type
- person
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Michael Eisen's stance on open access scientific publishing?
Michael Eisen is a strong advocate for open access scientific publishing, believing that it is essential for promoting scientific progress and collaboration. He has worked tirelessly to promote open access principles through his work with PLOS and eLife.
What is the significance of the Public Library of Science (PLOS)?
The Public Library of Science (PLOS) is a leading publisher of open access journals, including PLOS Biology and PLOS Medicine. PLOS has played a crucial role in promoting open access principles and has inspired a new generation of scientists to join the open access movement.
What is Michael Eisen's current role at the University of California, Berkeley?
Michael Eisen is a professor of genetics, genomics, and development at the University of California, Berkeley. He continues to teach and conduct research, shaping the future of scientific publishing and promoting open access principles.
How has Michael Eisen's work impacted the scientific community?
Michael Eisen's work has significantly impacted the scientific community, promoting transparency and accessibility in research. His advocacy for open access scientific publishing has inspired a new generation of scientists and has led to the creation of new open access journals and publishers.
What is Michael Eisen's perspective on the intersection of science and politics?
Michael Eisen believes that scientists have a critical role to play in shaping public policy and advocacy. His experience in politics has highlighted the need for scientists to engage in public discourse and to promote evidence-based decision making.