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			Stan Cohen Born Feb 17 1935 Process for Producing Biologically Functional Molecular Chimeras Genetic Engineering Patent Number(s) 4,237,224 Inducted 2001 Herb Boyer was with the University of California, San Francisco when he began investigating DNA with Stan Cohen. Their experiments marked the beginning of genetic engineering and launched the multi-billion dollar biotechnology industry. By early 1973, Boyer and Cohen determined that they were able to add genes from an organism to a simple cell; the genes would then replicate in the cell. Their recombinant DNA patents generated over $250 million in royalties before expiring. Recombinant DNA technology is considered the most significant achievement in molecular biology since Watson & Crick's work in 1953. After working with Cohen, Boyer joined forces with venture capitalist Robert Swanson to create the biotechnology firm Genentech, Inc. Since its founding in 1976, Genentech has produced a number of firsts such as genetically engineered human insulin. Genetically altered crops are also being researched to deal with global food supply issues. Invention Impact Genetic engineering has created a new medical and scientific world; Cohen and Boyer’s discovery made it possible to map the human genome as well as produce synthetic insulin and genetically modified food (GM foods). Inventor Bio Cohen was born in Perth Amboy, New Jersey. He graduated from Rutgers University in 1956 and from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in 1960. He joined the faculty of the Stanford University School of Medicine in 1968, where he remains today. His many awards include the National Medal of Science and the National Medal of Technology.