2025 Lasker Awards Given to Cell Biology and Cystic Fibrosis Pioneers

The 2025 Lasker Awards, widely regarded as the American version of the Nobel Prize, have been granted to two pioneering researchers in the fields of cell biology and cystic fibrosis. The Lasker-Koshland Special Achievement Award in Medical Science has been presented to Dr. Jennifer Doudna, a renowned molecular biologist, for her groundbreaking work on the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology. This technology has revolutionized the field of genetics and has potential applications in medicine, agriculture, and beyond. The Lasker-DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award has been awarded to Dr. Francis Collins, the former director of the National Institutes of Health, for his pivotal role in the discovery of the gene responsible for cystic fibrosis. This landmark achievement has led to significant advancements in the understanding and treatment of this debilitating genetic disorder. The Lasker Awards have long been considered a prestigious honor, with many past recipients going on to receive the Nobel Prize. The recognition of these two pioneering researchers underscores the significant impact they have had on their respective fields and the advancement of medical science.