Gerald Tuskan

Dr. Gerald Tuskan is awarded the 2025 Marcus Wallenberg Prize for his pioneering work in sequencing and analyzing the first tree genome. His leadership in this project has revolutionized research in tree and forest genomics and biotechnology, paving the way for genome-based breeding of commercially important trees. Dr. Tuskan led the project to sequence the genome of the black cottonwood tree (Populus trichocarpa), which was published in 2006. This was the third plant genome to be sequenced… His work formed the basis for extensive molecular genetic studies of the Populus genus, generating new discoveries in wood biology and tree phenology. This project has laid the foundation for many other tree genome sequencing projects, including conifers such as Norway spruce and loblolly pine, as well as the important plantation tree eucalyptus. Tuskan is the Director and Chief Executive Officer of the U.S. Department of Energy Center for Bioenergy Innovation at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory.