Patrick O. Brown

Patrick O. Brown is an American biochemist, entrepreneur, and advocate for open science. He is a professor emeritus at Stanford University and a former investigator at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Brown is widely recognized for pioneering the DNA microarray technology for genome-wide expression analysis and for founding the plant-based meat company Impossible Foods. His career has also been defined by significant advocacy for reforming scientific publishing towards open access models.

Early life and education

Born in Washington, D.C., Brown demonstrated an early interest in science. He pursued his undergraduate education at the University of Chicago, where he earned a degree in chemistry. He then moved to the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) for his medical and doctoral training, completing both an M.D. and a Ph.D. in biochemistry. His doctoral work was conducted in the laboratory of J. Michael Bishop, a future Nobel laureate known for his work on oncogenes. This foundational period at UCSF solidified his expertise in molecular genetics and set the stage for his future research.

Career and research

Following postdoctoral research, Brown joined the faculty at Stanford University in the Department of Biochemistry. His laboratory at Stanford became a powerhouse in functional genomics. His most celebrated scientific contribution was the invention, with colleagues, of a widely accessible DNA microarray system. This technology enabled researchers to monitor the expression levels of thousands of genes simultaneously, revolutionizing fields like cancer research, developmental biology, and systems biology. His work was instrumental in projects like the Human Genome Project. Concurrently, Brown grew increasingly critical of the traditional scientific journal subscription model, viewing it as a barrier to the dissemination of knowledge. This led him to become a co-founder of the Public Library of Science (PLOS), a pioneering nonprofit advocate and publisher of open access journals.

Inventions and commercial ventures

Brown's inventive work extended beyond academia into successful commercial ventures. The most prominent of these is Impossible Foods, a company he founded in 2011 after taking a sabbatical from Stanford University. The company's mission is to create delicious, sustainable alternatives to animal products using plant-derived ingredients. Its flagship product, the Impossible Burger, is notable for containing heme derived from soy leghemoglobin, which gives it a meat-like taste and appearance. The company has received significant investment from firms like Khosla Ventures and Temasek Holdings and its products are distributed in thousands of restaurants and grocery stores globally, including partnerships with major chains like Burger King and Starbucks.

Awards and honors

Brown's contributions to science and innovation have been recognized by numerous prestigious institutions. He was elected a member of the National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. His work on DNA microarray technology earned him the Takeda Award and the Jacob Heskel Gabbay Award. He has also been named a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. In the entrepreneurial realm, Impossible Foods and its products have received awards for innovation and sustainability from organizations like the United Nations.

Personal life

Brown is known for his intense focus on mission-driven work, whether in scientific discovery or addressing global challenges like climate change and food sustainability through Impossible Foods. He stepped down from his professorship at Stanford University to lead the company full-time, though he maintains an emeritus status. His advocacy for open access publishing through PLOS reflects a deeply held belief in the democratization of scientific knowledge. He continues to be a prominent voice on issues at the intersection of science, technology, and public policy.

Category:American biochemists Category:American entrepreneurs Category:Stanford University faculty Category:1954 births Category:Living people