Paul M. Doty
Harvard University
June 1, 1920 - December 5, 2011
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Scientific Discipline: Biochemistry Membership Type:
Emeritus
(elected 1957)
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Biochemist Paul Doty studied the structure of macromolecules, especially biopolymers. Using optical methods, such as light scattering, he deduced the physical structures of DNA and RNA. His work on the structure of DNA led to the development of recombinant DNA. During World War II he was involved in the Manhattan Project at Columbia University, where he worked on isolating uranium. After the war he became active in promoting nuclear disarmament and peace between Russia and the United States during the Cold War.
Doty earned his undergraduate degree from Pennsylvania State University in 1941 and went on to earn his PhD from Columbia University. In 1948 he accepted a position in the Chemistry Department at Harvard University and served as the first chairman of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. The U.S. President appointed Doty a special assistant for matters of national security and Doty was a member of the President’s Science and Arms Control advisory committees. He founded the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at Harvard in 1973 and served as director.
