Scientific Research

Innovative Genomics Institute – Dr. Jennifer Doudna

Breaking barriers with CRISPR: Nobel laureate Dr. Jennifer Doudna’s vision for a healthier, sustainable future

As part of TED Audacious, a collaborative funding initiative that brings together visionary changemakers and philanthropists to support bold, high-impact solutions addressing the world’s most urgent challenges, Lyda Hill Philanthropies supports the pioneering work of Dr. Jennifer Doudna. 

As a Nobel laureate and co-inventor of the revolutionary CRISPR-Cas9 genome-editing technology, Dr. Doudna is transforming the future of science and medicine through her leadership at the Innovative Genomics Institute (IGI). As one of the most influential scientists of our time, Dr. Doudna is pioneering research that uses CRISPR’s unparalleled precision to rewrite DNA and address some of society’s most pressing challenges across human and environmental health. 

At IGI, Dr. Doudna leads ambitious efforts to cure genetic diseases by correcting mutations at their source, engineer climate-resilient crops to combat global hunger, and develop innovative solutions to restore ecosystems and combat environmental degradation. Her work embodies the intersection of bold innovation and real-world impact, aiming not only to push the boundaries of what’s possible in genomics but also to ensure these advancements are accessible and equitable for all. 

Through her visionary leadership, Dr. Doudna has inspired a new era of science that promises to transform lives and create a healthier, more sustainable future. Her contributions continue to shape the way we understand and harness the power of the genome, making her a true trailblazer. 

Learn more about Dr. Jennifer Doudna

MIT – Drs. Sangeeta Bhatia, Paula Hammond, and Angela Belcher

Using nanotechnology to change ovarian cancer care

The challenge? Ovarian cancer is often caught too late because it doesn’t have clear symptoms and there aren’t enough effective early screening tools. But early detection can make all the difference when it comes to successful treatment. 

The solution? Dr. Bhatia, a bioengineering and nanomedicine expert, has created nanoparticles that can detect ovarian cancer biomarkers, making it easier to spot the disease early. Dr. Hammond, a materials science powerhouse, is designing nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems that zero in on ovarian tumors. Her team’s multilayered nanoparticles can deliver chemotherapy drugs directly to cancer cells, reducing harm to healthy tissues and boosting treatment effectiveness. And Dr. Belcher developed a powerful imaging tool to see otherwise ‘invisible’ tissue. 

Together, Drs. Bhatia, Hammond, and Belcher are combining engineering, nanoscience, and medicine to create innovative tools that offer earlier diagnoses, more precise treatments, and better outcomes for ovarian cancer patients. Their groundbreaking work is not only advancing cancer care but also pushing the boundaries of nanotechnology, sparking new discoveries that could transform multiple areas of research.  

Learn more about Dr. Sangeeta Bhatia and Dr. Paula Hammond

Ocean Discovery League – Dr. Katy Croff Bell

Making waves in ocean exploration

The problem? While oceans cover more than 70% of our planet, over 80% of them are still a mystery! The solution? Dr. Katy Croff Bell, an ocean explorer and tech visionary, is on a mission to change that. As the founder of the Open Ocean Initiative at the MIT Media Lab, she began her mission to harness the latest tech—think AI, robotics, and sensor networks—to open up the deep sea like never before.  Now, as the CEO and Founder of the Ocean Discovery League, Dr. Bell is developing next-level tools that make ocean exploration more accessible, inclusive, and impactful, expanding humanity’s ability to study the vast, unknown ocean. 

Her work isn’t just about discovery—it’s also about inspiring future explorers to take on the challenge of understanding and protecting the ocean, our planet’s biggest (and most mysterious) ecosystem. With Dr. Bell at the helm, the ocean is no longer a secret waiting to be unlocked—it’s a frontier ready to be explored!  

https://www.oceandiscoveryleague.org/

TAMEST Hill Prize – Dr. Maria Croyle

Powering a new era for global vaccine distribution

The challenge? Most vaccines and biological drugs need precise temperature control to safely reach people around the world—a big hurdle for global healthcare. 

The solution? Lyda Hill Philanthropies teamed up with the Texas Academy of Medicine, Engineering, Science, and Technology (TAMEST) to launch the Hill Prizes, supercharging bold, high-risk research with the power to generate real-world impact. One of the inaugural winners, Dr. Maria Croyle from The University of Texas at Austin, is breaking barriers with her innovative methods to transport vaccines and biological drugs without temperature control. 

With her $500,000 Hill Prize, she is accelerating her work to revolutionize vaccine delivery. By eliminating the need for cold chain systems, Dr. Croyle’s methods have the potential to transform global healthcare, making essential medicines more accessible, affordable, and sustainable for all. 

Learn more about the Hill Prizes