David Sinclair

David A. Sinclair, Ph.D., A.O. is a Professor in the Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, and co-Director of the Paul F. Glenn Center for Biology of Aging Research at Harvard Medical School. He is renowned for his research on why we age and strategies to mitigate its effects. Sinclair obtained his Ph.D. in Molecular Genetics at the University of New South Wales, Sydney, in 1995, and conducted postdoctoral research at M.I.T. with Dr. Leonard Guarente, where he co-discovered a cause of aging in yeast and the role of Sir2 in epigenetic changes driven by genome instability and aging. In 1999, he joined Harvard Medical School, focusing on the role of protective enzymes called sirtuins, which respond to changing NAD+ levels, exercise, and caloric restriction (CR). His lab was the first to identify a role for NAD biosynthesis in lifespan regulation and demonstrated that sirtuins facilitate the benefits of CR in mammals. They also identified the first small molecules that activate SIRT1 (STACs).

The Sinclair lab has expanded its research to include epigenetic changes as a driver of aging and the use of reprogramming factors to reset the age of cells and tissues. In 2020, his team demonstrated that aging can be safely reversed in animal models to cure blindness. Sinclair is the New York Times bestselling author of "Lifespan: Why We Age and Why We Don't Have To" (2019), has authored over 200 scientific papers, and is a co-inventor on more than 50 patents. He serves as co-chief editor of the scientific journal Aging, and has co-founded several biotechnology companies, including MetroBiotech, EdenRoc Sciences, Tally Health, and Life Biosciences, focusing on aging, vaccines, diabetes, infectious diseases, immunity, and cancer.

Sinclair has received more than 40 awards, including the Australian Medical Research Medal, the Irving Wright Award, and the NIH Director’s Pioneer Award. He was named one of TIME magazine's “100 most influential people in the world” and among the “Top 50 people in Healthcare.” In 2018, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for his contributions to scientific communication and national security. In 2022, he co-founded Fully Aligned LLC, a company aimed at enhancing mind and body well-being. He also hosts the popular health and fitness podcast "Lifespan, with David Sinclair."