Dr. Ernst Freese (September 27, 1925 - March 30, 1990) was a molecular biologist who worked on the mechanism of mutations in DNA.

Ernst Freese's scientific career started in theoretical particle physics and later moved to molecular biology where he contributed to early genetics research.

In 1971, he organized the first comprehensive conference focused on the prospects of gene therapy through the John E. Fogarty International Center.

[5] His laboratory first sequenced GFAP (glial fibrillary acidic protein), and helped to elucidate its role in neural structure and development.

After the death of Elisabeth, he married Katherine Bick, Ph.D. in 1985, who was the deputy director of Extramural Research for the National Institutes of Health.