Ten Researchers Recognized for Their Contributions at Alzheimer's Association International Conference 2025
On July 27, 2025, the Alzheimer's Association celebrated excellence in dementia research at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC) 2025, held in Toronto. This premier global gathering brought together a diverse community of researchers, clinicians, and professionals dedicated to advancing knowledge in Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. The highlight of the event was the presentation of ten prestigious scientific awards, recognizing the groundbreaking contributions of researchers who are paving the way for future advancements in the field.
Dr. Maria C. Carrillo, the Association's chief science officer, acknowledged the importance of the honorees’ work, stating, "The Alzheimer's Association envisions a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia, and these leaders awarded today are helping us make that vision a reality." This sentiment underscores the collective commitment to combating these challenging diseases through scientific inquiry and innovation.
Among the distinguished awardees are the recipients of the AAIC Lifetime Achievement Awards, which honor outstanding contributions to Alzheimer's and dementia research. Named after the co-founders of the International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease, these awards are symbols of excellence in the field. Dr. Bart de Strooper from KU Leuven Belgium, renowned for his research in the mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease, received the Khalid Iqbal Lifetime Achievement Award. His significant findings on the inflammatory responses triggered by amyloid plaques have reshaped the understanding of Alzheimer’s pathology.
Another luminary, Dr. Clifford R. Jack Jr. of Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, was honored with the Henry Wisniewski Lifetime Achievement Award. He is recognized for his expertise in neuroimaging and neurodegenerative diseases, developing crucial frameworks that have influenced the understanding of cognitive aging and Alzheimer's disease.
The Bengt Winblad Lifetime Achievement Award went to Dr. Mary Sano, a neuropsychologist and director at the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center at Mount Sinai in New York. Dr. Sano’s focus on cognitive interventions in Alzheimer's has led to significant strides in clinical trial design and the understanding of behavioral conditions associated with dementia.
Additionally, Donna M. Wilcock, Ph.D., was awarded the Bill Thies Award for Distinguished Service to ISTAART, recognizing her role in mentoring and supporting the next generation of dementia scientists. Her work, which intersects Alzheimer's disease with vascular cognitive impairment, is vital in understanding the complexities of dementia.
Each of these awardees exemplifies the spirit of innovation, dedication, and collaborative spirit that drives Alzheimer’s research forward. The Inge-Grundke-Iqbal Award, showcasing impactful research, was awarded to Dr. Katrin Andreasson for her study on the restoration of hippocampal glucose metabolism and its effects on cognition in Alzheimer's patients. Such studies highlight the importance of continued research on cognitive health and interventions.
Further adding to the accolades, Bruce Lamb received the Zaven Khachaturian Award, recognizing his substantial contributions to understanding Alzheimer’s through basic and translational research. Dr. Lamb's research has focused on genetic modifiers and neuroimmune interactions, shedding light on potential therapeutic targets and strategies against Alzheimer's disease.
The event also recognized junior and trainee researchers who have shown promise in neuroimaging, fostering a future generation of scientists dedicated to dementia research. The de Leon Prizes in Neuroimaging showcased notable papers that advance understanding in this critical area.
The Alzheimer’s Association International Conference not only celebrates these achievements but also serves as a fundamental platform for the exchange of groundbreaking ideas and collaborations among global scientists focused on Alzheimer's and related dementias. The gathered experts collectively work towards transforming knowledge into real-world solutions that can lead to better care and preventive measures for those affected by these diseases.
With a mission to lead the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia, the Alzheimer's Association remains committed to funding research, promoting awareness, and advocating for the needs of individuals and families impacted by Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. As the AAIC 2025 concluded, the hope for a future without Alzheimer’s remains a shared vision, reinforced by the remarkable innovations recognized during this prestigious conference.