Esther Lederberg

Microbiology trailblazer who discovered lambda phage and developed replica plating, revolutionizing genetic research.

Esther Miriam Lederberg (1922–2006) made foundational contributions to molecular genetics that reshaped modern biology. While her husband Joshua Lederberg won a Nobel Prize, her critical work remained underrecognized due to gender biases in science.

In 1951, Lederberg discovered the lambda phage, a virus that infects E. coli. This became a cornerstone tool for studying gene regulation and viral replication. Her replica plating technique (1952) allowed efficient screening of bacterial colonies, accelerating antibiotic resistance studies. See her original apparatus at the National Science Museum.

Despite facing discrimination—she was often barred from faculty clubs—Lederberg established Stanford's Plasmid Reference Center in 1976, cataloging essential genetic materials. Her advocacy for female scientists inspired generations. A detailed timeline of her achievements can be found here.