Dedicated to Advancing Pharmaceutical Science
Albert Bourla, DVM, PhD, Chairman and CEO of Pfizer, was one of three Honorees recently recognized by The New York Academy of Sciences (the Academy) for outstanding contributions to science.
Published May 12, 2025
By Nick Fetty
Digital Content Manager
Dr. Bourla was presented with the inaugural Visionary Award in recognition for his “anything is possible attitude” which, in part, helped Pfizer develop a vaccine during the COVID-19 pandemic. The award was presented during the Academy’s recent 2025 Spring Soirée, hosted at the University Club of New York.
“Albert is a scientist who believes that science is the answer to many of society’s challenges. It drives his career and motivates everything he does,” said Chris Boshoff, MD, PhD, Pfizer’s Chief Scientific Officer and President, Research & Development during the Soirée. “[He] inspires all of us to never give up, to learn from failure, and then to reach higher.”
Pfizer has been a long-time partner of the Academy, supporting numerous life-sciences conferences as well as the International Science Reserve.
Effective Leadership
Dr. Bourla joined Pfizer in 1993, first as a doctor of veterinary medicine and technical director for the company’s animal health division in Greece. In 2019, he was named the company’s chief executive. He has “accelerated Pfizer’s transformation to become a more science-driven, innovative company—divesting its non-science-based businesses and dramatically increasing its R&D and digital innovation budgets.” Additionally, he established Pfizer’s Purpose Blueprint, which emphasizes the core values of courage, excellence, equity, and joy.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Bourla led the development of a safe and effective vaccine. While this process can take up to 10 years, he inspired colleagues to expedite it to just eight months while maintaining quality and integrity. He authored a book about this experience, which went on to be a Wall Street Journal Best Seller, a Bronze Medalist in the 2023 Axiom Awards, and a Finalist for the National Jewish Book Awards.
Award-winning Work
A native of Greece, Dr. Bourla holds a PhD in the Biotechnology of Reproduction from the Veterinary School of Aristotle University in his home country. He’s been named CEO of the Year by CNN Business, a Most Transformative CEO by Business Insider, and an inductee into the Crain’s New York Business 2021 Hall of Fame. His work has also been recognized outside of the United States. He’s received the Golden Cross Order of the Redeemer, conferred by the President of Greece; the Order of Boyacá, conferred by the President of Colombia; and the Order of the Independence from the First Degree, conferred by His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan.
While Dr. Bourla has earned numerous awards throughout his distinguished and impactful career, he was sincerely appreciative of the recent recognition from the Academy, which highlights his dedicated efforts to advancing science for the public good.
“Science is the cornerstone of progress in our society. It is how we’ve eradicated diseases. It is how we’ve improved healthcare. It is how we’ve expanded life expectancy. It has enabled the discovery of penicillin. Put a man on the moon. And, yes, led us in developing a vaccine that was able to save millions of lives and return society to normalcy: the COVID vaccine,” said Dr. Bourla while accepting the award. “No other force has the same ability to strengthen society and human health as science.”
