Marianne Bronner, Elham Azizi, Guosong Hong, and Maayan Levy. Photos: Courtesy of the Vilcek Fondation.
Dear Commons Community,
Those of us who work in research institutions understand that scientific progress in the United States is inextricably linked to the contributions of immigrants. Their efforts have improved lives worldwide and established this country as a beacon of scientific discovery. Immigrants represent 28% of the American recipients of Nobel Prizes awarded in physics, chemistry, and medicine between 1901 and 2024.
The Vilcek Foundation was established in 2000 to recognize and celebrate immigrant contributions to culture and society in the United States, with a focus on biomedical science and the arts and humanities. This year, the Foundation awarded a total of $250,000 in prizes to immigrant scientists, honoring foreign-born professionals at the forefront of research in immunotherapy, brain imaging, metabolite-based therapy, and human development. Marianne Bronner receives the $100,000 Vilcek Prize in Biomedical Science; Elham Azizi, Guosong Hong, and Maayan Levy each receive a $50,000 Vilcek Prize for Creative Promise. Here are brief biographies of the four winners.
Marianne Bronner
California Institute of Technology
Marianne Bronner was 4 years old when her family fled communist Hungary. Her early enthusiasm for physics transformed into a fascination with developmental biology, particularly the functions of neural crest stem cells (NCSCs). This group of transient, migratory cells found early in vertebrate development differentiate into a wide variety of cell types in the body and may have potential in regenerative therapies. Bronner’s career-long examination of NCSCs has led to the identification of the mechanisms that drive genetic regulation of cell migration and differentiation, and furthered scientists’ understanding of NCSC involvement in congenital disorders, cancer metastasis, and heart regeneration. She receives the Vilcek Prize for advancing science’s understanding of how NSCSs contribute to the development of the nervous system, heart, and skeleton.
A pioneer in her field, Bronner prioritizes helping mentees develop their strengths and navigate careers. “I’ve never taken for granted the access to opportunities in a free country that helped me realize my dream of being a scientist.”
Elham Azizi
Columbia University
Elham Azizi embodies the concept of a multidisciplinary approach to difficult problems. The Iranian-born computational biologist leverages an innate curiosity and background in genomics and bioengineering to reveal insights into cancer progression and persistence. She receives a Vilcek Prize for Creative Promise in recognition of ongoing efforts to enlist machine learning and artificial intelligence to unmask how the immune system interacts with complex diseases.
Azizi’s efforts capitalize on tools offering an unprecedented opportunity to model a patient’s unique immunological fingerprint and disease phenotype. “The ultimate goal is to translate strategies for targeting cancer and other diseases into effective, personalized immunotherapies for patients.̶
Guosong Hong
Stanford University
Born to working-class parents in China, Guosong Hong’s fascination with the physical and chemical properties of matter was ignited by a children’s book of chemistry experiments. Now a materials scientist at Stanford University, his research has accelerated breakthroughs in biological imaging and neuromodulation. Hong receives the Vilcek Prize for Creative Promise in recognition of his development of noninvasive methods to visualize complex physiological processes in real time.
Hong’s work to optimize deep-tissue and brain imaging promises to allow glimpses of previously invisible biological processes. “The culture of academic freedom in this country has guided my career,” he says. “Collaborations with brilliant colleagues continue to motivate new discoveries.”
Maayan Levy
Stanford University
Immunologist and microbiologist Maayan Levy receives the Vilcek Prize for Creative Promise in recognition of her work on the efficacy of metabolites for the prevention and treatment of cancer, chronic inflammation, and other diseases.
Growing up in Israel, Levy witnessed firsthand how immigration can affect integration and equality; she carries this core experience in her practice, and advocates for minority students in the sciences. She is also a passionate supporter of women in STEM, especially those with children. As a principal investigator and mother, Levy appreciates the demands and rewards of each role and advocates for colleagues balancing parenthood and careers in science. “Creating an environment that minimizes compromises between being a scientist and mother encourages people to excel at both.”
Congratulations to these four scholars!
Tony
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