Title: “Patterning Gene Expression in Early Embryos: Successes and Failures in Doing Science: Can We Predict What Will Be Important”
Speaker: Eric F. Wieschaus, Squibb Professor in Molecular Biology, Emeritus (Princeton University); Professor of Molecular Biology and of the Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Emeritus; Senior Scholar, Molecular Biology; Nobel Laureate (1995)
Date: July 30, 2025
Event: Idaho INBRE 2025 Research Conference
Summary:
At the Idaho INBRE 2025 Research Conference on July 30, 2025, Nobel laureate Eric F. Wieschaus delivered a compelling talk titled “Patterning Gene Expression in Early Embryos: Successes and Failures in Doing Science: Can We Predict What Will Be Important?”.
In this presentation, Dr. Wieschaus drew upon his illustrious career—most notably his groundbreaking work with Christiane Nüsslein-Volhard, which earned them the 1995 Nobel Prize for elucidating the genetic control of early embryonic development. NobelPrize.org+1.
He reflected on both triumphs and missteps in the scientific process, emphasizing how careful experimentation, bold questions, and unexpected results shape discovery.
Focusing on patterning—the spatial and temporal regulation of gene expression in Drosophila embryos—he spotlighted the contrast between maternal versus zygotic gene contributions. Maternal factors deposited in the egg set the initial stage, but a small cohort of zygotically active genes triggers the precise sequence of early developmental events. Department of Molecular Biology.
Wieschaus also offered perspectives on predicting which lines of inquiry will yield breakthroughs—a meta-scientific investigation into how one gauges what truly matters amid the noise of hypotheses and data. His talk balanced detailed cell-biological insight with broader themes about the nature of scientific progress, inspiring the audience to appreciate both the mechanics of embryogenesis and the evolving craft of research itself.
Watch the Zoom Recording Here!
