Dr. Joseph Walder, founder of Integrated DNA Technologies, dies at 73

Dr. Joseph Walder, founder of Integrated DNA Technologies (IDT), died on March 26 in Skokie, Illinois, at the age of 73. “His premise for IDT was simple: make science accessible to move discoveries forward,” IDT posted on Facebook, announcing his death. “More than 35 years later, his vision has grown into a high-growth, high-impact business with a global footprint that now enables researchers worldwide to accelerate the pace of genomics.” Dr. Walder received his MD in 1975 and his PhD in 1978 from Northwestern University, that same year taking a faculty position as assistant professor of biochemistry at the University of Iowa. During his tenure, he conducted cutting-edge biochemical research that included developing anti-sickling compounds and a hemoglobin derivative blood substitute. "Dr. Walder's accomplishments in biotechnology and philanthropy have made him a living legend at the University of Iowa,” said Charles Brenner, former UI Roy J. Carver Chair and Head of Biochemistry, on UI’s website. Dr. Walder left his position at UI in 1994, seven years after he launched Integrated DNA Technologies (IDT) through a partnership with Baxter Healthcare Corporation. Based in Coralville – with manufacturing facilities in Asia, Europe and North America – IDT is the leading global provider of custom-made DNA and RNA oligonucleotides (oligos) in life sciences research, and many of its clients use IDT’s products to develop therapies to treat human genetic-based diseases. During the height of the pandemic in 2020, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) turned to IDT to produce and provide kits to research and test for the coronavirus. Mark Behlke, MD, PhD, and Chief Scientific Officer at IDT, said he considered Dr. Walder to be a mentor as well as a colleague. "Joe Walder was a friend, mentor, and boss to me for over 22 years,” he wrote the CBJ. “When I first met him, he described a vision that synthetic nucleic acids – oligos – would play a critical role in biology/genetics research, medical diagnostics, and eventually medical therapeutics. All elements of his vision have been realized. His work with IDT significantly helped move this vision forward. It was an honor to have worked with him for so many years." “While my personal experience with Dr. Joseph Walder was limited, we will remember him as the brilliant scientist and memorable leader who has made a profound impact on science,” wrote Demaris Mills, IDT president, to the CBJ. “I have immense respect for Dr. Walder and feel privileged that we all have the opportunity to play a role in carrying his legacy forward.”

Mentor, Scientist, Philanthropist

In 2018, Dr. Walder sold IDT to Danaher Corp. for “approximately $2 billion.” He and his wife, Elizabeth Walder, used the proceeds to launch The Walder Foundation, a private family foundation based in Skokie, Illinois, that reflects their interests and passions. Chicago residents who were deeply involved with the Jewish community, the Walders championed their faith community with generous funding for area Jewish schools. They also supported scientific research and discovery efforts in Chicago, environmental sustainability, the performing arts, migration and immigrant communities. Through IDT, Dr. Walder also invested in biochemistry graduate education and donated $1 million to create a sibling play space in UI Stead Family Children's Hospital's neonatal intensive care unit. Dr. Walder was given the Prometheus Award for Iowa CEO of the year in 2007, the Chicago Torah Visionary Award in 2016, UI’s The Distinguished Friend of the University Award in 2020, and Entrepreneur of the Year from the Iowa Biotechnology Association.