Discover the 2025 Breakthrough Prize Laureates: Celebrating Excellence in Life Sciences, Physics, and Mathematics!

2025 Breakthrough Prizes Announced in Los Angeles

On April 5, 2025, in Los Angeles, the Breakthrough Prize Foundation revealed the winners of this year’s prestigious Breakthrough Prizes. Known as the “Oscars of Science,” these awards celebrate outstanding achievements in gene editing, human health, fundamental physics, and mathematics.

This year, six major prizes of $3 million each were given for excellence in Life Sciences, Fundamental Physics, and Mathematics. Additionally, the foundation awarded six $100,000 New Horizons Prizes to promising early-career researchers in physics and mathematics. Three women mathematicians received the $50,000 Maryam Mirzakhani New Frontiers Prize, and the total prize money this year reached an impressive $18.75 million. Over 14 years, the collective prize amount has surpassed $326 million.

Priscilla Chan and Mark Zuckerberg commented on the laureates’ groundbreaking work, emphasizing how these discoveries greatly improve healthcare and broaden our understanding of fundamental scientific principles. Yuri Milner described the questions these scientists tackle as among the most profound in life and physics.

Life Sciences Highlights

The Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences went to a team comprising Daniel J. Drucker, Joel Habener, Jens Juul Holst, Lotte Bjerre Knudsen, and Svetlana Mojsov. Their research led to innovative GLP-1 medications, revolutionizing treatments for diabetes and obesity. These treatments are critical, as data suggests that diabetes affects over 537 million people globally, highlighting a pressing health crisis.

Another important award in Life Sciences was presented to Stephen L. Hauser and Alberto Ascherio for their work on multiple sclerosis. They uncovered how the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) significantly increases the risk of developing MS, which affects nearly 2.8 million people worldwide. Their findings are paving the way for potential antiviral treatments and vaccines.

David R. Liu received recognition for his development of advanced gene-editing tools. His techniques, like base editing and prime editing, have been shared globally, leading to thousands of research advancements and promising results in clinical trials. These methods correct genetic mutations responsible for various diseases, offering hope to millions facing genetic disorders.

Fundamental Physics Recognition

This year, the Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics was awarded to over 13,500 researchers from the ATLAS, CMS, ALICE, and LHCb collaborations at CERN’s Large Hadron Collider. This unprecedented recognition of a large group showcases the global commitment to advancing our understanding of particle physics, a field that continues to uncover the universe’s mysteries.

The collaborative research has not only validated the Standard Model of particle physics but also provided insights into dark matter and other phenomena beyond current theories. The significance of their work is underlined by the fact that high-energy physics often informs advancements in technology and our understanding of the cosmos.

Mathematics Award

Dennis Gaitsgory was awarded the Breakthrough Prize in Mathematics for his pivotal contributions to the geometric Langlands conjecture. This area connects different areas of mathematics, suggesting broader implications across various mathematical disciplines. His proof, spanning over 800 pages in five papers, represents a monumental leap in mathematical research.

New Horizons and Women in Science

The New Horizons Prizes spotlight emerging talent. This year’s recipients, like Waseem Bakr and Jeongwan Haah, are redefining boundaries in their fields. Their work ranges from quantum gas microscopy, which enhances our understanding of quantum systems, to innovative models in quantum information science.

The Maryam Mirzakhani New Frontiers Prize celebrates remarkable women in mathematics. Si Ying Lee, Rajula Srivastava, and Ewin Tang are commended for their contributions that blend quantum computing, harmonic analysis, and significant problems in the Langlands program. Their achievements inspire future generations of women in STEM, continuing Mirzakhani’s legacy of excellence.

The Breakthrough Prize Foundation continues to recognize the remarkable achievements in science and math. With each ceremony, they honor the relentless curiosity that drives discovery and innovation, shaping not only the scientific landscape but also our future.

For more details about the awardees and their work, you can visit [Breakthrough Prize Awards](https://www.breakthroughprize.org).

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