Celebrating Science, Visionaries, and Impact: The New York Academy of Sciences’ 2026 Spring Soirée

The New York Academy of Sciences’ 2026 Spring Soirée brought together leaders across academia, industry, and philanthropy to celebrate science and recognize outstanding contributions to the public good. As the Academy’s flagship fundraising event, the evening helped raise sorely needed funds to advance science programming and education, and to nurture future scientific leaders, while honoring six distinguished awardees.

Published April 24, 2026

By Kamala Murthy

On April 21, 2026, The New York Academy of Sciences hosted its second annual 2026 Spring Soirée — the Academy’s flagship fundraising event of the year — welcoming guests from across New York City’s robust science, business, media, academic, and philanthropic communities. The evening convened a vibrant network of people whose attendance reinforced the shared belief that, when supported by funding and connected to collaboration, science has the power to improve lives and shape a better future.

Serving as Dinner Chair, Seema Kumar, the CEO of CURE and member of the Academy’s Board of Governors, opened the evening by reflecting on the Academy’s 200-year legacy of advancing discovery through convening the people and ideas that catalyze innovation and champion science in the service of society.

A Call to Supporting Science in Challenging Times

Academy President and CEO Nicholas Dirks welcomed guests to the Spring Soirée by underscoring the importance of advancing science for the public good, particularly amid global uncertainty and declining trust in institutions. He emphasized the role of science in combating misinformation, and fostering progress: “Science gives us the tools to understand complexity rather than fear it… and reminds us that progress — real, durable progress — is built not on ideological prejudice, but on free inquiry, collaboration, and trust.” Prof. Dirks also highlighted the responsibility of the scientific community to engage with the public and ensure the responsible use of emerging technologies. He thanked the Academy’s supporters, noting that the Spring Soirée is both a celebration and the Academy’s most important fundraising event, enabling continued investment in science and future generations.

In line with the evening’s fundraising efforts, Pat Tully, one of New York City’s leading auctioneers, led the Soiree’s auction featuring exclusive experiences, including behind-the-scenes scientific tours, a Berkshires getaway, a “Night at the Museum”, a rare space mission collectible, and a unique opportunity to dine with a Nobel Laureate.

The Soiree’s Award Winners

Throughout the evening, the Academy honored six award recipients whose work exemplifies leadership and service to society.

Inaugural Constellation Award

Prof. Dirks introduced the Soiree’s first honoree, Josh Lerner, PhD, the Jacob H. Schiff Professor at Harvard Business School and Co-Director of the HBS Private Capital Project, as the recipient of the Inaugural Constellation Award. Lerner was honored for his leadership in strengthening the relationship between scientific innovation and private capital in partnership with the Academy. Highlighting the critical importance of intersecting science and capital, Prof. Dirks said: “We believe forging stronger relationships between knowledge and capital has the potential to accelerate scientific breakthroughs… especially at a time when federal support for science is so uncertain.”

Visionary Award

Maria Gotsch, MBA, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Partnership Fund for NYC, was recognized with the Academy’s Visionary Award for her leadership in building New York City’s fintech and life sciences ecosystem, demonstrating how capital, when aligned with purpose, can transform entire sectors. She was introduced by Kathryn Wylde, the former president of the Partnership for NYC, an organization that has worked to advance New York City’s role as a global center of economic opportunity, upward mobility, and innovation. Wylde highlighted Gotsch’s leadership in supporting small businesses — from helping those displaced after 9/11 to safely reopening neighborhood businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cognizant STEM Awards

After Peter Salovey, PhD, the Chair of the Academy’s Board of Governors, recognized the Academy’s board members for their stewardship, he introduced the Cognizant STEM awards. “We all know how essential it is to grow the talent pipeline… and create a sense of belonging and shared commitment to harnessing the power of science for the good of humanity.” Newly sponsored by Cognizant — the Cognizant STEM Teacher of the Year and Cognizant STEM Mentor of the Year — were jointly conferred by Cognizant’s CFO, Jatin Dalal, and Chief Legal Officer John Kim. Rocheli Apilan, a teacher at the High School for Health Professions & Human Services, was named Cognizant STEM Teacher of the Year. Samay Garg, PhD, from Columbia University’s Department of Chemical Engineering, was named Cognizant STEM Mentor of the Year. Both were honored for their personal investment in developing the next generation of scientists through the Academy’s STEM education programs.

Trailblazer Award

In a memorable introduction, New York University’s President Linda Mills touted the Academy’s Trailblazer Award recipient, John Sexton, PhD, President Emeritus of NYU and former Academy Board member, for his bold and unconventional leadership. “There are leaders who steer institutions — and then there are those who chart entirely new paths… John didn’t just follow the trajectory of higher education — he redrew the map.” She reflected on Prof. Sexton’s visionary creation of NYU Abu Dhabi and the risks inherent in true leadership, “Blazing a trail is not tidy work. It requires risk, improvisation, and the willingness to move forward even when the path isn’t clear.”

Science Communicator Award

Multiple Emmy®-award-winning Chief Medical Correspondent for CNN and practicing neurosurgeon, Sanjay Gupta, MD, was honored with the Academy’s Science Communicator Award for translating complex medical science into accessible, trusted insights, including during natural disasters and global health crises. Dr. Gupta’s mentor and colleague, Dan Barrow, MD, who serves as The Pamela R. Rollings Professor & Chairman of the Department of Neurological Surgery at Emory University School of Medicine, conferred the award. Speaking to Gupta’s two-decade history of health and medical reporting for CNN, Dr. Barrow said, “It’s a strange thing to introduce someone who has already introduced himself to the entire country.” Barrow highlighted Gupta’s rare ability to connect science and the public, “He understood something that far too many science communicators never quite figure out: the goal isn’t to impress. It’s to illuminate!”

A Night Supporting the Future of Science

Closing out the evening, Soirée Dinner Chair Seema Kumar, reminded guests of the deeper purpose behind the Academy’s Spring Soirée, “The power of science is not just to discover, but to make a difference, because ultimately, progress is not defined by discovery alone, but by what we do with it.”

The Soiree was made possible through the generous support of The Simons Foundation, Cognizant, CURE, CNN, IBM, Partnership Fund for NYC, Roc360, Royalty Pharma, Johnson & Johnson, Leon Levy Foundation, Pfizer, and board members Laura B. Sachar and Chandrika Krishnamurthy Tandon.