Professor Giulia Palermo

A world-renowned computational biophysicist, Professor Giulia Palermo is recognized for her pioneering studies of genome editing systems. Her research is poised to open new frontiers in how scientists model and predict gene regulation at the intersection of interpretable AI, computational chemistry, and physics, exemplifying the innovative and interdisciplinary spirit of UCLA’s scientific community.

Palermo will join the UCLA faculty as a Full Professor on July 1, 2026. Her research group will move with her from the University of California, Riverside, where she is currently a Professor of Bioengineering and Chemistry. 

“I am thrilled to join the department,” says Palermo. “UCLA is the birthplace of the internet, a place where bold ideas and transformative technologies have reshaped the world. I am excited to join this community of dreamers who are pushing the frontiers of molecular medicine and computational science. I look forward to collaborating with colleagues across campus to accelerate advances in computational biophysics and to inspiring students with research at the intersection of computation, AI, and molecular medicine.”

Palermo’s group is known for its innovative computational studies of the CRISPR-Cas9 system. At UCLA, her team will continue to push the boundaries of computational biophysics by developing integrative multiscale approaches that bridge molecular dynamics, quantum mechanics, and cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) modeling with emerging AI methodologies such as Graph Neural Networks (GNNs) and causation-inference models.

Looking ahead, Palermo’s group will address key challenges in genome engineering, investigating programmable DNA “knock-ins” and “knock-outs” through computation. Using advanced simulations and AI-driven strategies, the group aims to deepen understanding of genome editing mechanisms and enable computers and AI to model, predict, and guide the function of DNA- and RNA-editing systems. This vision supports the development of predictive, in silico approaches that drive the rational design and engineering of complex biomolecular systems.

A passionate educator, Palermo is dedicated to creating research opportunities that inspire students to excel in their scientific careers.

Learn more about Palermo’s research and career: https://palermolab.com/