Citation
Laureates 2025
in Physiology or Medicine
Recognizing researchers whose discoveries have advanced human health, shaped medical science, and deepened our understanding of biological systems.
"for elucidating the cGAS-STING pathway, a fundamental mechanism of innate immunity"
Andrea Ablasser
Switzerland
Andrea Ablasser
"for elucidating the cGAS-STING pathway, a fundamental mechanism of innate immunity"
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
Glen N. Barber
United States
Glen N. Barber
"for elucidating the cGAS-STING pathway, a fundamental mechanism of innate immunity"
Ohio State University
Zhijian 'James' Chen
United States
Zhijian 'James' Chen
"for elucidating the cGAS-STING pathway, a fundamental mechanism of innate immunity"
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center / Howard Hughes Medical Institute
"for identifying leukemia stem cells and establishing their relevance in therapy failure and disease recurrence, thereby shifting the focus for many types of cancer and their treatments"
John E. Dick
Canada
John E. Dick
"for identifying leukemia stem cells and establishing their relevance in therapy failure and disease recurrence, thereby shifting the focus for many types of cancer and their treatments"
University Health Network / University of Toronto
"for discovery of ghrelin, a hormone regulating appetite, energy, and metabolism"
Kenji Kangawa
Japan
Kenji Kangawa
"for discovery of ghrelin, a hormone regulating appetite, energy, and metabolism"
National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center
Masayasu Kojima
Japan
Masayasu Kojima
"for discovery of ghrelin, a hormone regulating appetite, energy, and metabolism"
Kurume University
Illuminating the pathways of immunity: A conversation with
Zhijian ‘James’ Chen
In this video interview, Citation Laureate 2025 Zhijian ‘James’ Chen shares the personal and scientific journey behind his groundbreaking work in immunology. He reflects on the curiosity that first drew him to science — and the passion that continues to drive his research today. Along the way, he discusses the challenges that shaped his thinking, and what he believes defines a truly great researcher.
Chen explains his discovery of a “cellular burglar alarm” in the immune system — a mechanism that helps detect viral intruders and could lead to new ways of protecting human health. Through simple questions and persistent exploration, he reveals how deep scientific insight can emerge and evolve, offering a compelling view into the mindset behind Nobel-class research.
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