Celebrating Innovation: The 2025 Franklin Institute Awards Honorees

2025 Franklin Institute Awards: Honoring Exceptional Innovators



The Franklin Institute, a premier science museum located in Philadelphia, has announced the distinguished recipients of the 2025 Franklin Institute Awards. This event will celebrate the remarkable achievements of nine laureates on May 1, 2025, with ceremonies hosted by Chief Astronomer Derrick Pitts at the Benjamin Franklin National Memorial.

In a significant recognition of innovation and excellence, the awards will honor eminent figures across science, engineering, and business. Notable recipients include Dr. Muyinatu Bell from Johns Hopkins University, who will receive the Benjamin Franklin NextGen Award for her pioneering work in robotic surgery through advanced medical imaging techniques. Dr. William Dally, Chief Scientist at NVIDIA, will be recognized for his critical contributions to high-performance computing, which have paved the way for advancements in Artificial Intelligence. Meanwhile, Jamie Dimon, the Chairman and CEO of JPMorganChase, will receive accolades for his leadership and advocacy for the role of businesses in society.

Larry Dubinski, President and CEO of The Franklin Institute, expressed the institute's mission, stating, "Recognizing extraordinary breakthroughs in science and technology, as well as outstanding business leadership, is instrumental in inspiring the next generation of great innovators." The accolades continue a two-century tradition of honoring transformative contributions that ignite progress and challenge future innovators.

The awards are part of a week-long celebration that begins on April 28, culminating in a gala event that acknowledges the laureates' outstanding contributions to their respective fields. The Franklin Institute has a storied legacy of celebrating significant figures such as Nikola Tesla, Marie Curie, and Albert Einstein, as well as contemporary pioneers in vaccine research.

The accomplishments of the 2025 laureates span a wide range of disciplines:

  • - Bower Award and Prize for Achievement in Science: Katharine N. Suding, Ph.D. (University of Colorado) for her notable work in restoration ecology, addressing critical ecological challenges.
  • - Bower Award for Business Leadership: Jamie Dimon for steering JPMorganChase into a diversified global institution and championing the American business community's responsibilities.
  • - Benjamin Franklin NextGen Award: Muyinatu A. Lediju Bell, Ph.D. for developing innovative medical imaging systems to enhance surgical safety.
  • - Benjamin Franklin Medal in Chemistry: Naomi J. Halas, Ph.D. (Rice University) for her groundbreaking work on nanoshells for biomedical applications.
  • - Benjamin Franklin Medal in Computer and Cognitive Science: William James Dally, Ph.D. (Stanford University/NVIDIA) for creating accessible high-performance computer systems.
  • - Benjamin Franklin Medal in Electrical Engineering: Kurt Edward Petersen, Ph.D. for pioneering research in micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS).
  • - Benjamin Franklin Medal in Life Science: Steven M. Block, Ph.D. (Stanford University) for advancing light manipulations to study biological mechanisms.
  • - Benjamin Franklin Medal in Mechanical Engineering: John W. Hutchinson, Ph.D. (Harvard University) for his work on materials stability and failure theories.
  • - Benjamin Franklin Medal in Physics: John P. Perdew, Ph.D. (Tulane University) for his contributions to quantum mechanics methods used in predicting physical properties.

In addition to celebrating the laureates, the 2025 awards will be supported by Bank of America, which marks its 23rd consecutive year as Presenting Sponsor. As the ceremony approaches, attendees eagerly await the inspiring stories of innovation that have defined the achievements of these exemplary individuals.

For more information about the Franklin Institute and the 2025 Awards Program, visit The Franklin Institute.

With its commitment to honoring excellence in scientific achievements, the Franklin Institute continues its legacy of inspiring passion for science and technology through engaging exhibits and educational programs.

The upcoming event in May promises not only to celebrate the achievements of these visionary minds but also to inspire future generations to pursue the paths of innovation and discovery.

Topics People & Culture)

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