On Wednesday, July 9, in the framework of the Onassis Lectures 2025 that took place from July 7 to 11 at the Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas (FORTH) in Heraklion, Crete, Nobel Laureate Frances Arnold delivered a compelling –open to the public- speech on harnessing the power of evolution to engineer enzymes and proteins with new or improved functions. Prof. Frances Arnold is highly esteemed in Science and Technology. In addition to receiving the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, she was the first female scientist elected as a Fellow of all three National Academies of the USA (Engineering, Medicine, Science).

She explained how modern molecular biology enables rapid genome sequencing, gene isolation, and computational tools that, together with directed evolution, allow scientists to optimize proteins to perform specific chemical tasks. These advances are already transforming sustainable drug and chemical production, including eco-friendly synthesis of pharmaceuticals and insecticides.

Prof. Arnold highlighted how AI is expanding the possibilities for designing enzymes tailored to solve pressing challenges, from renewable fuel production to reducing environmental impact in chemical manufacturing.

Drawing parallels to nature’s vast biodiversity shaped by genetic variation and selection, Prof. Arnold underscored how directed evolution replicates these processes in the lab, empowering humanity to create biocatalysts that address critical global needs.

The public speech of Prof Arnold was a remarkable moment for the scientific community and the general public alike, as they listened to a leading figure explaining how “Innovation by Evolution” is transforming biology, technology, and our lives.

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