Shiv I.S. Grewal

Research in the field of epigenetics, which concerns semiheritable features of chromosomes above the level of DNA (e.g. histone modifications), provided fundamental insight into the formation of heterochromatin, a compact form of chromatin that inhibits inappropriate expression of genes and unstable elements. Helped uncover the paradigm of molecular signatures that denote alternative chromatin states. Worked out how heterochromatin is established and spreads to border elements. Discovered that heterochromatin has diverse genome regulatory functions. His discovery of the role of RNA interference in heterochromatin formation was cited as Breakthrough of the Year (Science, 2002). Three of his research papers were judged historic discoveries in past 50 years Nature, 2005). Recipient of the Newcomb-Cleveland Prize, the National Institutes of Health MERIT Award, and the NIH Director's Award. Elected to the US National Academy of Sciences 2014.