NORTH BETHESDA, Md.– The Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH) announced Tuesday that molecular biologist David Liu, Ph.D., will receive the inaugural Montrone-Seigel Prize in Biomedical Sciences. Liu and his team have pioneered groundbreaking gene-editing technologies now being used globally to study and treat genetic diseases, with at least 23 clinical trials underway targeting cancer, blood disorders, metabolic conditions and more.
“We are delighted with the selection of this year’s award winner,” said Fred Seigel, who established the award with fellow FNIH board member Paul Montrone, Ph.D. “Dr. Liu’s exceptional, innovative work in gene editing technologies has the potential to transform lives. This award is an opportunity to recognize his contributions to scientific discoveries and support further biomedical breakthroughs.”
Liu’s laboratory developed base editing and prime editing, precision techniques that correct disease-causing DNA mutations in cells, animals, and patients. These tools have shown promise in treating sickle-cell disease, certain leukemias, inherited cholesterol disorders, and a serious liver and lung disease affecting an estimated 100,000 people in the United States. His team also created methods to accelerate drug discovery, including technologies that rapidly evolve proteins with new functions, fueling advances in next-generation gene editors.
“I’m deeply honored by this recognition of the tireless efforts and remarkable talents of the students, postdocs and collaborators who have contributed to our work,” Liu said. “I’m especially grateful to Paul Montrone and Fred Seigel for establishing this award, which I hope will serve as a reminder of the impact of biomedical research at a critical time in our country when science has never offered so much promise to save and improve lives.”
Liu holds multiple academic appointments, including Richard Merkin Professor and Director of the Merkin Institute for Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Vice Chair of the Faculty at the Broad Institute, Thomas Dudley Cabot Professor of the Natural Sciences at Harvard University, and Investigator with the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.
The Montrone-Seigel Prize carries a $100,000 honorarium and recognizes scientists whose research promises to achieve breakthroughs advancing human health. Liu was selected by a jury co-chaired by Carl Nathan, M.D., of Weill Cornell Medical College, and Cynthia Wolberger, Ph.D., of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
He will be honored at the 13th Annual FNIH Awards Ceremony on Oct. 22, 2025, in Washington, D.C., where several other awards also will be presented, including the Paul-Gallin Trailblazer Prize for Physician-Scientists, the Charles A. Sanders, M.D., Partnership Award, and the Kovler Prize for Trust in Life Science Journalism.
