About the Book

Renowned molecular evolutionist, Masatoshi Nei, recounts his time growing up in Japan and later conducting research on molecular evolution in both Japan and the United States. He also discusses the origin and development of molecular evolution, including some of the joys and disappointments in working in the field. He emphasizes the importance of international collaboration in advancing scientific research and shows how he succeeded.

Born in 1931 in Japan’s Miyazaki Prefecture, Nei eventually immigrated to the United States in 1969 to pursue research in the field of molecular evolution. He is known primarily for applying statistical methods to further the understanding of molecular evolution, as well as to advance new concepts in evolutionary theory. He has received numerous international awards and honors throughout his career, and is also a co-founder of the journal “Molecular Biology and Evolution.”