Professor Keasling has been recognized for his national scientific leadership in synthetic biology that has advanced the Department of Energy’s strategy in renewable energy, especially the realization of biofuels and bioproducts that enable biomanufacturing at scale and inspire and grow the U.S. bioeconomy. This award, now in its third year, recognizes scientific leadership and engagement with the academic and research communities, significant mentoring of early-career scientists and engineers, the quality of publications in high-impact journals, and service to the research community.