Evelyn M. Witkin was celebrated for her pioneering research in bacterial genetics, particularly in how cells respond to genetic damage.

Her findings on the bacterial SOS response not only elucidated the process of DNA damage repair but also shed light on the mechanisms of mutagenesis.

Witkin's exploration of cellular responses to DNA damage laid the foundation for modern genetics and cancer therapy, as it was crucial to understanding how cells maintain genetic stability and the effects of mutagens on this process.

He was elected as member of the European Academy of Engineering in 1994.