Northwestern University is currently accepting nominations for the Mechthild Esser Nemmers Prize in Medical Science, valued at $350,000. The biennial award will be presented in fall 2026.
Eligible candidates include physician-scientists whose research demonstrates significant achievements and lasting impact within their fields. Individuals from all nationalities and institutional affiliations can be nominated, except for current or recent Northwestern faculty members, past recipients of the Nemmers Prize, and Nobel Prize winners.
The 2026 prize recipient will have the opportunity to deliver a public lecture and engage in scholarly activities at Northwestern University.
Previous awardees of this prestigious prize include Huda Zoghbi (2016), recognized for her work on Rett syndrome; Stuart Orkin (2018), known for his discoveries related to blood disorders; Jeremy Nathans (2022), noted for his contributions to understanding visual system development; and Jeffrey Gordon (2024), acknowledged as a pioneer in microbiome research.
Dr. Eric Neilson, vice president for medical affairs at Northwestern's Feinberg School of Medicine, emphasized the importance of recognizing scientists who are committed to advancing human health through scientific discovery. "Every treatment offered to a patient today started as an experiment in a laboratory," he stated.
Kathleen Hagerty, Northwestern Provost, highlighted the societal impact of scientific work honored by the Nemmers Prize. She expressed pride in considering nominations from scientists dedicated to improving global health through their discoveries.
Nominations must be submitted via the Nemmers website by November 1, 2025. Submissions should include a one-page nominating letter detailing the nominee’s professional experience and qualifications along with their curriculum vitae. Both expert recommendations and institutional nominations are encouraged; however, direct applications are not accepted.
The award is funded by a donation from Erwin Esser Nemmers and Frederic Esser Nemmers. It is one of several Nemmers prizes established by Northwestern University.