Prize Recipients

Karolin Luger receives the Vilcek Prize in Biomedical Science for her career dedication to the study of nucleosomes that has led to the groundbreaking capture of a high resolution image of chromatin, resulting in the development of innovative drug treatments for diseases like cancer.

Tanya Meléndez-Escalante receives the 2026 Vilcek Prize in Fashion & Culture for her design of meaningful exhibitions and programs that reveal the hidden diversity of fashion styles and talent from across Latin America.

Peter Do receives the $100,000 Vilcek Prize in Fashion & Design for his ability to create unique and versatile clothing designs for everyday life without sacrificing durability or comfort.

Colonel Matthew Bogdanos receives the Marica Vilcek Prize in Art History for his work recovering looted antiquities and his advocacy to preserve cultural artifacts.

Takashi Akera receives the Vilcek Prize for Creative Promise in Biomedical Science for his creative approach to investigating selfish DNA, an anomaly resulting in biased inheritance of genes that can lead to fertility issues and genetic disorders.

Aashish Manglik receives the 2026 Vilcek Prize for Creative Promise in Biomedical Science for uncovering the conformational complexity of G protein–coupled receptors, fundamentally reshaping scientists’ understanding of cellular signaling.

Berna Sozen receives the 2026 Vilcek Prize for Creative Promise in Biomedical Science for pioneering innovative experimental models to advance understanding of human development and for championing inclusive research environments.

Diego Bendezu is awarded the 2026 Vilcek Prize for Creative Promise in Fashion & Culture for his powerful visual storytelling that centers Latin American voices and his work to reshape how the industry sees beauty and cultural authenticity.

The Durimels receive the 2026 Vilcek Prize for Creative Promise in Fashion & Culture in recognition of their ability to present fashion as part of a broader, evocative exploration of fictitious storytelling, color, and light.