Marianne Bronner, Edward B. Lewis Professor of Biology and head of the Beckman Institute, has been recognized as the honoree of the 2025 Vilcek Prize in Biomedical Science. Presented by the Vilcek Foundation, the accolade acknowledges immigrant researchers who are leading advancements in biomedical studies within the United States.

Bronner was acknowledged for her studies on neural crest stem cells and their significance in the formation of the peripheral nervous system, heart, and craniofacial structure in vertebrate species.

Originally from Hungary, Bronner relocated to the United States with her family during her early childhood.

“My intrigue with biology began during my time as a graduate student, when I explored the fundamental question in developmental biology: How do intricate organisms, including humans, develop from a single cell?” Bronner shares. “I’ve been on a quest to uncover the answers ever since.”

She obtained her PhD from Johns Hopkins University in 1979, where she focused on developmental biology. After commencing her teaching career at UC Irvine, Bronner became part of the Caltech faculty in 1996. In 2001, she was the inaugural woman appointed as chair of the faculty. By 2019, she was appointed director of the Beckman Institute at Caltech, overseeing the tools for chemical and biological research.

Bronner is a member of the National Academy of Sciences, a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Science, and has received various accolades for her leadership and instruction. Bronner has consistently championed gender equality in the scientific field.

“I am profoundly honored to accept this esteemed recognition from the Vilcek Foundation,” Bronner states. “Moreover, I am thankful that my family found refuge in the US after fleeing a repressive Communist regime many years ago.”