Academy’s Soiree Recognizes Excellence in Science
It was an evening celebrating innovation, discovery, and leaders in science when The New York Academy of Sciences hosted its Spring Soirée at the University Club of New York
Published May 12, 2025
By Nick Fetty
Digital Content Manager
The inaugural Soiréewas a night to honor scientific excellence as several established and aspiring STEM professionals were recognized for their impactful contributions.
“Tonight, we are celebrating the accomplishment of some exceptionally talented individuals and their lifechanging contributions to society,” said Nicholas B. Dirks, President and CEO of the Academy.
Four outstanding experts in their respective fields, were recognized for impactful contributions in advancing science for the public good.
- Visionary Award: Albert Bourla, DVM, PhD, Chairman & CEO, Pfizer
- Trailblazer Award: Yann LeCun, VP & Chief AI Scientist, Meta
- Communicating Science Awards: Jared Lipworth, Head of Studio, HHMI Tangled Bank Studios; and Janet Tobias, Emmy Award-Winning Director, Writer and Producer
Additionally, seven representatives of the education community were honored for their contributions to the Academy’s STEM Education efforts, representing their participation in the Scientist-in-Residence program and the Junior Academy.
- STEM Teacher of the Year: Brittany Beck, Biology Teacher at the High School of Telecommunication Arts and Technology
- STEM Mentor of the Year: Megan C. Henriquez of the CUNY Graduate Center
- Emerging Student Researchers: Mohammad A. K., Prithila B., Afif C., Kwizera P., and Maria R.
“The importance of passionate and devoted teachers and mentors cannot be overstated,” Dirks said. “We know what happens when talented, motivated students mix with equally passionate mentors and teachers—Great research. Original ideas. Breakthrough science.”
Guided by a Knowledgeable and Dedicated Board of Governors
Dirks also acknowledged the contributions of Hon. Jerry Hultin, immediate past chair of the Academy’s Board of Governors, who continues to serve on the board as a member.
“I feel very honored tonight to thank Jerry for his devoted service and commitment,” said Dirks, adding that Hon. Hultin’s service and leadership is further exemplified through his new role as chair of the Board’s Audit Committee.
Two other former Board members were elected Life Governors: Pablo Legorreta, founder and CEO of Royalty Pharma, as well as N. Chandrasekaran, chairman of the board for Tata Sons.
“Their careers and contributions to science are nothing short of extraordinary,” said Dirks.
The Current Moment and the Imperative to Support Science
Chandrika Tandon, a recognized business leader, Grammy Award-winning artist, and humanitarian who serves on the Academy’s Board of Governors, served as Soirée Dinner Chair and presenter of ceremony. She set the tone of the evening about the importance of supporting science.
“Welcome to every one of you. Thank you for taking your valuable time, your money, and spending it with us for this incredible event, our first Spring Soirée for The New York Academy of Sciences,” said Tandon. “We are at a seminal, most critical, pivotal moment in the whole area of science and technology.”
Despite the hurdles of the current moment, Tandon expressed optimism about the Academy’s role in advancing science for the public good.
“As I look at The New York Academy of Sciences, this is an extraordinary moment, because the Academy represents a point of view that isn’t of one [political ideology] or the other,” Tandon said, noting that she’s expressing her personal views and not those of the Academy. “It’s a great opportunity for The New York Academy of Sciences to do what it does best.”
Engines of Scientific Discovery, Progress, and Innovation
Much like Tandon said in her opening remarks, Dirks, too, stressed the need to understand the challenges facing science in the current moment.
“We need to think differently about how we support science,” Dirks said. “Science is sometimes seen as something that has an ideology attached to it, but the work of science and of scientists is foundational to our modern society. The reason why we as a nation have achieved such great heights is because of our science.”
Dirks explained that since the end of World War II there has been a social contract between the government and universities. The contract aimed to support and advance our universities as “engines of scientific discovery, progress, and innovation.” Much has changed in the decades following WWII, so Dirks emphasized that government, academia, industry, civil society, and philanthropy must come together to “envision new mechanisms to ensure the health of our scientific infrastructure and propel new research collaborations, projects, and strategies.”
Continuing to Advance Science for the Public Good
The Spring Soirée also included a live auction, led by noted auctioneer Pat Tilly. Attendees vied to outbid each other for exclusive experiential opportunities at NYU, CUNY, and Cure. Proceeds from the auction will help to support future Academy programming.
During his remarks, Peter Salovey, the former president of Yale University, who was named chair of the Academy’s Board of Governors in November 2024, stressed how the Academy’s mission of advancing science for the public good is “more relevant than ever.” He reminisced about growing up in the 1960s when he and his siblings would shadow their father, a polymer chemist at Bell Labs in New Jersey, at work to experience science firsthand. Salovey remembered his father educating them about their Jewish heritage, which included marching with their synagogue during the civil rights movement.
“To him there was plenty of room for it all. For science, for metaphysics. For him, both were the ticket to social progress,” said Salovey. “Scientific literacy strikes me as the single best factor for combatting anti-enlightenment attitudes and distrust of experts. The Academy is and must continue to be a leader with respect to engaging the public in science.”
In the closing remarks, Tandon reiterated that despite the challenges facing science in the current era, science will still play a crucial role in a better future. She said that trust, curiosity, innovation, and “a healthy dose of wisdom” are needed to help prepare the next generation of scientists.
“We all have an obligation to leave this planet, and each other, much better off than how we came into this,” Tandon said in closing. “That’s my mission and I hope in some ways we all share that mission.”
Learn more about how you can support the Academy in advancing science for the public good.
