We are delighted to announce that two Vallee Foundation colleagues were honored by the White House on January 3, 2025. Bonnie Bassler and Feng Zhang were among 23 individuals whose innovative research has been recognized by the Biden administration.

Bonnie Bassler, Squibb Professor of Molecular Biology and an HHMI Investigator at Princeton University, was awarded the National Medal of Science. This accolade recognizes her groundbreaking research in molecular biology, particularly her pioneering work on quorum sensing, which has significantly advanced our understanding of bacterial communication and its implications for antimicrobial therapies.  Bassler is a Vallee Visiting Professor and has served on the committee to select our Vallee Scholars.  

Feng Zhang, the WM Keck Career Development Professor of Biomedical Engineering at MIT, the James & Patricia Poitras Professor in Neuroscience at MIT, and a Core Member of the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, received the National Medal of Technology and Innovation. This award recognizes Zhang’s revolutionary contributions to the field of genome editing. Zhang's development of the CRISPR-Cas9 system has transformed genetic research, enabling precise and efficient modifications to DNA, with profound implications for treating genetic disorders and advancing biotechnology.  Zhang was among the first Vallee Scholars appointed in 2013.  

The awards, which were presented by Arati Prabhakar, PhD, Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), highlight the exceptional achievements of Bassler and Zhang, whose innovative research continues to push the boundaries of science and technology. We extend our heartfelt congratulations for their well-deserved recognition and look forward to their continued contributions to the scientific community.

Photo credits: Ryan K Morris and the National Science & Technology Medals Foundation.