July 15, 2025
Each year, Sigma Xi recognizes exceptional work and achievement in science or engineering research and communication through its select group of annual awards. Past honorees have included such varied individuals as Jane Goodall, Vannevar Bush, Margaret Mead, Sylvia Earle, Claudia Dreifus, Al Gore, Shirley Malcom, Peter Hotez, and Cato Laurencin. Presented annually by the Society's Prizes and Awards program, each award recognizes a unique achievement, career, or contribution to science and the research enterprise. Recipients are presented with the awards at the International Forum on Research Excellence (IFoRE) where many will be keynote speakers. This year's conference will be held virtually, October 30–November 1.
Sigma Xi is proud to announce that Dr. Freeman A. Hrabowski III has been selected as the 2025 recipient of the John P. McGovern Science & Society Award.
This prestigious award honors individuals who have made significant contributions at the intersection of science and society. Dr. Hrabowski is being recognized for his work championing initiatives in leadership development, STEM education, workforce advancement, civic engagement, and playing a pivotal role in improving science and mathematics education, with a strong focus on increasing minority participation and success in these fields. Read more.
Freeman Hrabowski
ACE Centennial Fellow
President Emeritus, The University of Maryland, Baltimore County
For his work championing initiatives in leadership development, STEM education, workforce advancement, and civic engagement and playing a pivotal role in improving science and mathematics education, with a strong focus on increasing minority participation and success in these fields.
Sigma Xi is pleased to announce that renowned T cell biologist and La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) professor Alessandro Sette will receive the 2025 William Procter Prize for Scientific Achievement. The Procter Prize has been awarded annually to a scientist who has made an outstanding contribution to scientific research and has demonstrated an ability to communicate the significance of this research to scientists in other disciplines. The prize consists of a bronze statue, commemorative certificate, and an award of $10,000. The Procter Prize recipient receives a $5,000 honorarium and designates a younger colleague, usually in the same field of research, to receive a $5,000 Grant in Aid of Research (GIAR) award.
Sette's research has focused on T cell targeting of epitopes on pathogens, tumors, and other threats, including their role in the development of Parkinson's disease. Hevhas also developed new methods to identify and predict T cell epitopes on emerging viruses—an important step for the development of new therapies and vaccines. Sette will be presented with the Procter Prize at Sigma Xi's virtual conference, IFoRE '25, where he will also serve as a keynote speaker.
Alessandro Sette
Professor, La Jolla Institute for Immunology
Adjunct Professor, University of California, San Diego
For understanding basic mechanisms of antigen recognition and immunity, predicting immune activity, and developing interventions against cancer, infection, autoimmunity, and allergies.
Richard Spontak
Distinguished Professor of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering
North Carolina State University
For his groundbreaking discovery that the anionic block polymers he developed—originally described as charged thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs)—possess inherent antimicrobial properties and can continuously self-sterilize. This innovation addresses a critical global need for effective microbial inactivation methods that do not contribute to antimicrobial resistance, a challenge that has grown more urgent in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of drug-resistant pathogens. understanding basic mechanisms of antigen recognition and immunity, predicting immune activity, and developing interventions against cancer, infection, autoimmunity, and allergies.
Meghan Barrett
Assistant Professor of Biology
Indiana University Indianapolis
For being a pioneering leader in entomology as related to the ethical treatment of insects in research and production (i.e., farming) contexts.
Established in 2025, the Moses and Dorothy Passer Award recognizes individuals for their contributions to promoting integrity in science. The objective of this award is to promote individual and collective efforts to strengthen the integrity of scientific research.
Ryota Tamura
Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery
Keio University School of Medicine, Japan
For their work on neurosurgical and translational approaches to patients with brain tumors.
Established in 2025, the Dr. Lawrence M. Kushner Memorial Award supports a member of Sigma Xi in advancing the technology transfer aspects of their research, projects, products, or work. Technology transfer is the process of moving research results to the market and society, including related skills and procedures, as part of innovation. The objective of this award is to promote the transfer of scientific research for health, security, or economic betterment of society.
Santiago Perez Lloret
Senior Researcher, CONICET
Assistant Professor of Neurophysiology, University of Buenos Aires
For developing a computer vision, Artificial Intelligence-based algorithm to assess motor dysfunction symptoms in Parkinson’s Disease.
Established in 2025, the Dr. Philip J. Wyatt Technology Transfer Award supports the commercialization aspects of Sigma Xi members’ research, aiding in bridging the gap between research and commercial viability. Commercialization is the process of transforming research discoveries into marketable products or services, involving steps like patenting, industry collaboration, and strategy development to bring innovations to consumers..
Rudy L. Ruggles, Jr.
Vice Chairman, J. Craig Venter Institute
Adjunct Scientist
For exceptional dedication to advancing the Society’s mission through decades of service and leadership. An Honorary Member of Sigma Xi, having been elected to the Society in 1962, Mr. Ruggles has championed scientific research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and public engagement throughout his distinguished career.
The Evan Ferguson Award has been presented annually since 2008 in recognition of outstanding service to Sigma Xi and its mission. The recipient is recognized with a plaque and a lifetime subscription to American Scientist.
Amir H. Gandomi
Professor of Data Science—University of Technology Sydney
Distinguished Professor—Óbuda University
For advancing AI for social good, applying data-driven solutions to public health, sustainability, and smart cities to enhance safety, resilience, and well-being.
Awarded annually, Sigma Xi’s Young Investigator Award recognizes excellence within 10 years of a researcher’s highest earned degree. This year’s award is given for excellence in life and social sciences and includes a $5,000 honorarium.