David Schaffer

David Schaffer is a prominent figure in the fields of bioengineering and biotechnology, currently serving as the Executive Director of QB3 (California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences).12 Here are some key details about his background and accomplishments:

Academic Career

David Schaffer is a distinguished professor at the University of California, Berkeley, holding appointments in the Departments of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Bioengineering, and Molecular and Cell Biology.12 He also holds an adjunct professorship in biochemistry and biophysics at UCSF.1 Schaffer completed his B.S. in Chemical Engineering at Stanford University, followed by a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from MIT, and a postdoctoral fellowship at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies.4

Research and Innovation

Schaffer's research focuses on applying molecular and cellular engineering approaches to biomedical problems, particularly in gene therapy and stem cell biology.1 His work has led to significant advancements in therapies for diseases of the nervous system.1 Some of his notable achievements include:

• Holding over 50 patents12
• Publishing more than 250 papers4
• Pioneering the use of engineered viruses for gene therapy delivery5
• Developing nine therapies currently in clinical trials5

Entrepreneurship

Schaffer has co-founded eight companies to commercialize stem cell and gene therapies.12 Some of these companies include:

• 4D Molecular Therapeutics (NASDAQ: FDMT)
• Axent Biosciences
• Ignite Immunotherapy (acquired by Pfizer)
• Rewrite Therapeutics (acquired by Intellia)
• Valitor12

Leadership Roles

In addition to his role as Executive Director of QB3, Schaffer holds several other leadership positions:

• Director of the Bakar BioEnginuity Hub3
• Director of Bakar Labs3
• Director of the Bakar Fellows program4
• Director of the Bakar ClimatEnginuity Hub4

Awards and Recognition

Schaffer has received numerous accolades for his work, including:

• Election to the National Academy of Inventors in 20215
• Andreas Acrivos Professional Progress Award4
• American Institute of Chemical Engineers Pharmaceutical and Bioengineering Award4
• American Chemical Society Marvin Johnson Award4
• Biomedical Engineering Society Rita Shaffer Young Investigator Award4

David Schaffer's LinkedIn username is david-schaffer-26258ab.3