Two Berkeley Lab Scientists Elected to National Academy of Engineering
The National Academy of Engineering (NAE) has elected two scientists from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory to its 2026 class. Jennifer Doudna, a faculty scientist and UC Berkeley professor, was honored for her pioneering work in developing CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology. Her research, which began at Berkeley Lab, revolutionized genetic engineering and previously earned her the 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Nitash Balsara, a senior scientist in the Materials Science Division and UC Berkeley professor, was recognized for his contributions to battery safety and performance. His work elucidates the relationship between mechanical and electrical properties in block copolymer electrolytes, leading to advancements in solid-state batteries for electric vehicles and energy storage. Balsara’s team pioneered real-time 3D imaging of lithium-ion batteries, providing critical insights into preventing thermal runaway. Both scientists hold joint affiliations with UC Berkeley. This election represents one of the highest professional distinctions in engineering, acknowledging their outstanding contributions to research, technology development, and education. The announcement highlights Berkeley Lab's continued leadership in groundbreaking scientific discovery and innovation.
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Two Berkeley Lab Scientists Elected to National Academy of Engineering
The National Academy of Engineering (NAE) has elected two scientists from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory to its 2026 class. Jennifer Doudna, a faculty scientist and UC Berkeley professor, was honored for her pioneering work in developing CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology. Her research, which began at Berkeley Lab, revolutionized genetic engineering and previously earned her the 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Nitash Balsara, a senior scientist in the Materials Science Division and UC Berkeley professor, was recognized for his contributions to battery safety and performance. His work elucidates the relationship between mechanical and electrical properties in block copolymer electrolytes, leading to advancements in solid-state batteries for electric vehicles and energy storage. Balsara’s team pioneered real-time 3D imaging of lithium-ion batteries, providing critical insights into preventing thermal runaway. Both scientists hold joint affiliations with UC Berkeley. This election represents one of the highest professional distinctions in engineering, acknowledging their outstanding contributions to research, technology development, and education. The announcement highlights Berkeley Lab's continued leadership in groundbreaking scientific discovery and innovation.
Berkeley Lab News Center