Kevin Esvelt

Kevin Esvelt is an associate professor at the MIT Media Lab, where he leads the Sculpting Evolution Group in advancing biotechnology with an emphasis on safety and public engagement.

He is a research scientist committed to expanding the scope of biotechnologies through enabling inventions. Esvelt specializes in technologies harnessing evolution for engineering biology, especially ecosystems.

Esvelt pioneered the concept of CRISPR-based gene drives and was the first to recognize and articulate the potential for this technology to alter wild populations, influencing approaches to ecological engineering and genetic modification. His early work includes inventing phage-assisted continuous evolution (PACE) and collaborating on the development of CRISPR as a genome editing tool. These achievements have been published and featured in major media outlets.

Esvelt’s research focuses on developing catalytic platforms for directed evolution, creating ecotechnologies guided by local communities, and implementing early-warning systems to detect biological threats. He advocates for transparency and public input in scientific research, particularly for projects with broad environmental impact. His leadership in the Mice Against Ticks initiative demonstrates a commitment to harnessing genetic technologies for public health while ensuring reversibility and community oversight. Esvelt has received recognition such as the Innovator Under 35 honor from MIT Technology Review, and his work is cited in scientific journals and covered by outlets including The New York Times and The Washington Post.

A frequent speaker at scientific conferences and public forums, Esvelt communicates complex biotechnological concepts and ethical considerations to diverse audiences. He advises policymakers on mitigating global catastrophic biorisks and has contributed to the development of secure DNA synthesis screening methods. Through advocacy for open science and universal safeguards, Esvelt shapes the dialogue around responsible innovation in biotechnology, demonstrating technical expertise and a commitment to societal well-being.