Dr. William Moerner

Biography

William Esco Moerner is the Harry S. Mosher Professor of Chemistry at Stanford University. He is renowned for his groundbreaking research in physical chemistry and biophysics, particularly his work with the optical properties of single molecules and the development of 2D and 3D super-resolution imaging techniques applied to cell biology. Moerner's imaging studies have revolutionized our understanding of biological processes by focusing on viral RNA and proteins within infected cells, as well as chromatin organization. His innovative approach harnesses advanced microscopy to meticulously track the dynamics of proteins, DNA, and RNA in real time. Moerner's scientific contributions earned him the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2014 for the development of super-resolved fluorescence microscopy techniques (PALM/STORM) that surpass the optical diffraction limit. His distinguished academic career has included positions at various prestigious institutions and a significant tenure at IBM Research, followed by his appointment at Stanford’s Chemistry Department in 1997, where he has served in several leadership roles, including department chair. He continues to lead the Moerner Laboratory, focusing on cutting-edge laser spectroscopy and microscopy techniques to probe biological processes at the single-molecule level, emphasizing the importance of individual molecules within cellular contexts.

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