Gabriel Waksman is a structural biologist and biochemist who has made important contributions to our understanding of cell transport mechanisms and protein secretion in bacteria.

Through detailed research, Gabriel discovered the structure and function of the type IV secretion mechanism in bacteria, which is responsible for the sharing of genetic material — including antibiotic resistance genes — between bacteria. Gabriel’s work provides the basis for the design of new compounds to block secretion and thus prevent the spread of antibiotic resistance.

Gabriel’s research has also provided insight into bacterial pili and how they are made. These hair-like structures are used by bacteria to attach to their host and are important in their ability to cause disease. Gabriel is a Member of EMBO, the European Molecular Biology Organization, a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences, a Member of the German Academy of Science, Leopoldina, and a Member of the Academia Europaea. He is the founder and Director of the Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology in London.