Academy’s Spring Soirée to Celebrate Excellence in Science
This year’s scientific luminaries include John Sexton from New York University, Maria Gotsch from the Partnership Fund for New York City, and Dr. Sanjay Gupta from CNN.
New York, NY (January 28, 2026) – A new cohort of changemakers will be recognized for their innovation and discovery during The New York Academy of Sciences’ 2026 Spring Soirée hosted by Academy President and CEO Nicholas B. Dirks.
The Academy’s second annual Spring Soirée will take place on April 21 at the University Club of New York (One West 54th Street). The reception will begin at 6 p.m. followed by dinner and a program at 7 p.m. Seema Kumar, CEO of Cure and a member of the Academy’s Board of Governors, will serve as Dinner Chair.
As is tradition, the Soirée is an opportunity to recognize pioneering changemakers whose work exemplifies the Academy’s mission of advancing science for the benefit of society. This year’s awardees include:
- Visionary Award: Maria Gotsch, MBA, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Partnership Fund for New York City
- Science Communicator Award: Sanjay Gupta, MD, Chief Medical Correspondent for CNN
- Trailblazer Award: John Sexton, PhD, President Emeritus of NYU and Chair Emeritus of the Academy’s Board of Governors
- STEM Teacher of the Year: To be announced
- STEM Mentor of the Year: To be announced
The Soirée also serves as the Academy’s premier fundraising event of the year. Proceeds will help to support future Academy programming. From individuals and nonprofits to corporations and academic institutions, the Academy is seeking sponsors at a range of different funding levels.
- Soirée Underwriter – $100,000
- Mission Partner – $50,000
- Benefactor – $25,000
- Individual Ticket – $2,000
The Soirée promises to be an inspiring evening, filled with engaging conversations and captivating stories of scientific triumph.
“This will be a magical evening in which we offer the opportunity to celebrate and engage some of the most important champions of scientific progress, collaboration, and commitment to the public good,” said Nicholas Dirks. “Join us – along with representatives from world-class companies, top universities and research institutes, philanthropic organizations, and both the public and private sector – as together we honor the exceptional achievements of accomplished leaders who do so much to expand the frontiers of knowledge and shape the future of science.”
Registration is now open. Reserve your spot today!
About The New York Academy of Sciences
The New York Academy of Sciences is an independent, not-for-profit organization that since 1817 has been committed to advancing science for the benefit of society. With more than 16,000 members in 100 countries, the Academy advances scientific and technical knowledge, addresses global challenges with science-based solutions, and sponsors a wide variety of educational initiatives at all levels for STEM and STEM-related fields. The Academy hosts programs and publishes content in the life and physical sciences, the social sciences, nutrition, artificial intelligence, computer science, and sustainability. The Academy also provides professional and educational resources for researchers across all phases of their careers. Please visit us online at www.nyas.org.