Biography - Dmitry Lyumkis

Dr. Dmitry Lyumkis, Associate Professor and Hearst Foundations Chair at The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, is internationally recognized for his groundbreaking contributions to structural biology and cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM). His research has transformed the understanding of infectious disease mechanisms—particularly those underlying HIV—by revealing high-resolution structures of viral protein complexes and their intricate interactions with host cells.

Among his many achievements, Dr. Lyumkis was one of the first to resolve the structure of the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein trimer, a landmark accomplishment that paved the way for advances in HIV vaccine development. His laboratory has since elucidated how viral intasomes integrate into host chromatin, how antiviral drugs inhibit this process, and how drug resistance emerges. Beyond biological discovery, Dr. Lyumkis has made pivotal methodological advances in cryo-EM, devising innovative solutions for sample preparation and structural validation that are now widely adopted across the field.

A leader in both science and mentorship, Dr. Lyumkis exemplifies the vision of the Margaret C. Etter Early Career Award through his creativity, technical mastery, and dedication to advancing the frontiers of structural biology. His work continues to inspire a new generation of researchers and shape the future of cryo-EM and molecular biophysics.

The American Crystallographic Association proudly honors Dr. Dmitry Lyumkis with the 2025 Margaret C. Etter Early Career Award in recognition of his pioneering achievements and his exceptional promise as a scientific leader.