WASHINGTON — The National Academy of Medicine (NAM) today announced that Carl F. Nathan is the recipient of the 2025 David and Beatrix Hamburg Award for Advances in Biomedical Research and Clinical Medicine for his fundamental work in improving understanding of innate immunity — which has led to better diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis and a wide range of other infectious diseases — and for his efforts to address antimicrobial resistance. The award, which recognizes his achievements with a medal and $50,000, will be presented at the NAM’s annual meeting on Oct. 19. Elected to the NAM in 1998 and to the National Academy of Sciences in 2011, Nathan is a professor of medicine and of microbiology and immunology at Weill Cornell Medicine and is a former dean of the Weill Graduate School of Medical Sciences at Cornell University.
Nathan’s groundbreaking research into the mechanisms of antibacterial infection defense demonstrated that defense cells in the immune system attack bacteria penetrating the body with various chemicals, including nitric oxide. His work also revealed the mechanism with which the bacteria that cause tuberculosis are able to avoid these defenses. As a result, diagnosis of tuberculosis — one of the world’s most deadly infectious diseases — has greatly improved, and Nathan’s discoveries have also been foundational to improving the diagnosis and treatment of many other types of infectious diseases. He also worked with the Gates Foundation to develop a TB drug accelerator designed to speed up drug development for the disease.
In addition, as antimicrobial resistance continues to pose a major threat to society, Nathan has actively advocated for new approaches to addressing the crisis, helping to spearhead the creation of three consortia to foster better collaboration between academia and industry in an effort to improve drug discovery.
“Carl Nathan’s seminal research has revolutionized our understanding of how the immune system works — leading to lifesaving advances for many deadly infectious diseases,” said Victor J. Dzau, president of the NAM. “What’s more, his leadership in addressing the crisis of antimicrobial resistance has been invaluable in connecting researchers with drug companies to take real action on this growing health challenge. I am pleased that the NAM is recognizing his remarkable achievements with this award.”
Created in 2021, this award is named for David Hamburg, who was president of the Institute of Medicine from 1975-1980, and Beatrix Hamburg, an NAM member and expert in child and adolescent behavioral health. The award is funded by an endowment established in 2004 in honor of the Hamburgs’ life and legacy.
The David and Beatrix Hamburg Award for Advances in Biomedical Research and Clinical Medicine recognizes an exceptional biomedical research discovery, translation, or public health intervention by one or more scientists that has fundamentally enriched the understanding of biology and disease, leading to a significant improvement in human health and social well-being and reduction in global health inequities. Nominees are eligible for consideration without regard to education or profession, and award recipients are selected by a committee of experts convened by the National Academy of Medicine. The selection committee is chaired by Eric N. Olson, professor and chairman, department of molecular biology; director, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine; The Robert A. Welch Distinguished Chair in Science and Annie and Willie Nelson Professorship in Stem Cell Research, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.
The National Academy of Medicine, established in 1970 as the Institute of Medicine, is an independent organization of eminent professionals from diverse fields including health and medicine; the natural, social, and behavioral sciences; and beyond. It serves alongside the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering as an adviser to the nation and the international community. Through its domestic and global initiatives, the NAM works to address critical issues in health, medicine, and related policy and inspire positive action across sectors. The NAM collaborates closely with its peer academies and other divisions within the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.
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