The Joseph Walder Memorial Seminar honors the life and legacy of Dr. Joseph (Yosef) Walder, a visionary scientist, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and former professor of biochemistry at the University of Iowa. 

Joining the faculty in 1978, Dr. Walder established himself as a pioneering force in molecular science through groundbreaking research that transformed the field of nucleic acid biophysics. His influential work provided the scientific foundation for accurately predicting DNA oligonucleotide stability and fidelty, laying the groundwork for advances in PCR, molecular diagnostics, and genomic technologies. This work not only advanced the science of molecular biology but also foreshadowed the visionary thinking and relentless pursuit of excellence that became hallmarks of his career.

In 1987, Dr. Walder founded Integrated DNA Technologies (IDT), transforming a bold scientific vision into a company that became the world's leading provider of synthetic DNA and RNA technologies. Through innovations that made custom, high-quality oligonucleotides widely accessible and affordable, IDT helped accelerate advances across molecular biology, genomics, biotechnology, and medicine, contributing to discoveries that continue to impact research and human health worldwide. 

Beyond his scientific achievements, Dr. Walder was widely admired for his humility, generosity, and commitment to serving others. Colleagues and friends remembered him as a man with "a brilliant mind and an open heart," whose professional success was matched by a deep dedication to education, philanthropy, and the well-being of his community. Together with his wife, Elizabeth, he supported numerous educational, scientific, and charitable initiatives, believing that innovation and service should go hand in hand. 

This seminar series celebrates the values that defined Dr. Walder's life: intellectual curiosity, scientific excellence, mentorship, and a commitment to improving the lives of others. Through the exchange of new ideas and discoveries, we honor a legacy that continues to inspire scientists, students, and innovators around the world. 

2026 Event Details

Thursday, October 22, 2026
10:30-11:20 a.m.
Urmila Sahai Seminar Room (2117 MERF)
A reception will follow in the PBDB Connector.

The inaugural lecture will feature distinguished speaker Taekjip Ha, PhD, a world-renowned biophysicist whose pioneering work in single-molecule fluorescence and force spectroscopy has transformed how scientists visualize and understand DNA molecular mechanisms.  His the George D. Yancopoulos Professor of Pediatrics in honor of Frederick W. Alt at the Harvard Medical School and a Senior Investigator in the Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine at Boston Children's Hospital, where he also serves as Director.  A Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator since 2005, Prof. Ha is a member of the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Medicine, and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.  His career has been marked by both technological innovation and biological discovery, earning him numerous accolades - including the Kazuhito Kinosita Award and the Gregory Weber Award - and establishing him as one of the leader figures in modern biophysics.