Northwestern University's International Institute for Nanotechnology (IIN) has announced the recipients of the 2025 Kabiller awards. These biennial awards recognize significant contributions in nanoscience, technology, biology, and medicine.
Nicholas Peppas, a professor at the University of Texas at Austin, will receive the $250,000 Kabiller Prize in Nanoscience and Nanomedicine. Nathan Gianneschi, a professor at Northwestern University, will be awarded the $10,000 Kabiller Young Investigator’s Award in Nanoscience and Nanomedicine. Michael Mitchell, an associate professor at the University of Pennsylvania, will receive the $3,000 Kabiller Rising Star Award.
The awardees will be honored at a dinner on October 14, 2025, in Chicago and will present their work as keynote speakers at the IIN Rosemary Schnell Symposium on October 15 in Evanston, Illinois.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of both the Kabiller Prize and the Kabiller Young Investigator Award. Established in 2015 by Northwestern trustee David Kabiller to honor achievements in nanotechnology applied to medicine and biology, these awards aim to accelerate discoveries that enhance human health worldwide. In 2021, IIN introduced the Kabiller Rising Star Award to highlight early-career faculty's promise and innovation.
“When we launched the awards a decade ago," said David Kabiller. "These awards amplify the breakthroughs that matter."
Chad A. Mirkin from Northwestern commented on how "the Kabiller awards evolve into a global symbol of excellence."
Nicholas Peppas is recognized for his work in drug delivery systems using nanotechnology-based oral drug carriers. He expressed gratitude for receiving this recognition: “I am honored to receive the 2025 Kabiller Award for our work in medical nanotechnology.”
David Kabiller praised Peppas' career: “His career is a masterclass in how deep scientific insight...can translate into breakthroughs.”
Nathan Gianneschi is acknowledged for his work on enzyme-directed biomaterials assembly. He stated: “The support of David Kabiller for nanoscience at Northwestern has been extraordinary.”
Michael Mitchell is honored for his development of lipid nanoparticle platforms advancing cancer immunotherapy. He remarked: “Receiving the Kabiller Rising Star Award is a true honor.”