Each year, the American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB) honors exceptional scientists whose research, mentorship, and leadership are shaping the future of cell biology. From groundbreaking discoveries to tireless advocacy for inclusion and education, these awardees reflect the very best of our community.

ASCB’s honorific awards recognize achievements across career stages—from promising graduate students to trailblazing senior investigators—and highlight the many ways scientists contribute to advancing knowledge and strengthening our field.

We’re proud to present the 2026 ASCB awardees and invited lecturers. Join us in congratulating these inspiring individuals for their remarkable work and dedication to the life sciences.

William Earnshaw, University of Edinburgh

E.B. Wilson Medal

Presented to distinguished researchers for their far-reaching contributions to cell biology over a lifetime in science.

Matt Welch, University of California, Berkeley

Sandra Masur Senior Leadership Award

Presented to a scientist at a later career stage (generally full professor or equivalent) whose outstanding scientific achievements are coupled with a record of active leadership in mentoring women and individuals from underrepresented groups in their scientific careers.

Brian Couch, University of Nebraska, Lincoln

Bruce Alberts Award for Excellence in Science Education

Given to an individual who has demonstrated innovative and sustained contributions to science education, prioritizing the national impact of the nominee’s activities.

Diana Bautista, University of California, Berkeley

E.E. Just Lecture

The E.E. Just Award is intended to honor early 20th century biologist Ernest Everett Just, who made seminal contributions to cell and developmental biology, and to recognize the outstanding scientific achievements of a U.S. researcher belonging to an historically excluded group. The awardee is selected by the ASCB Maximizing Access to Cell Biology for PEERS Committee (MAC).

Wallace Marshall, University of California, San Francisco

Keith R. Porter Lecture

Named in memory of Keith R. Porter and presented to an outstanding and innovative leader at the forefront of cell biology, actively contributing fundamental new knowledge to our understanding of cell biology.

Sherilynn Black, Duke University

Mentoring Keynote

The Mentoring Keynote Lecture is given by an individual who exemplifies mentoring through their impact on the training of scientists and scholars who belong to underrepresented groups, particularly racial and ethnic minorities. The recipient is selected by the ASCB Maximizing Access to Cell Biology for PEERS Committee (MAC).

Leticia Márquez-Magaña, San Francisco State University

Scholarship for Transformative Change Keynote

The Scholarship for Transformative Change Keynote Lecture is delivered by a researcher whose work explores how varied perspectives influence research effectiveness and output. Their investigations focus on evidence-based approaches to enhance participation and continuity within the scientific and biomedical research communities, identify personal and organizational factors that influence workforce plurality and participation across career stages, and develop scalable strategies to support career advancement across the research workforce.

Verónica Segarra, Goucher College

David Burgess Award for Excellence in Inclusivity

Recognizing one scientist who has a track record of excellence in research or serves a critical role in fostering cell biology research, and has demonstrated the importance of inclusion and diversity in science through mentoring, cultural change, outreach, or community service.

Samantha Lewis, University of California, Berkeley

WICB Junior Award for Excellence in Research

Presented to a woman or non-binary person in an early stage of their career (within seven years of appointment to an independent position at the nomination deadline) who is making exceptional scientific contributions to cell biology, is developing a strong independent research program, and exhibits the potential for continuing at a high level of scientific endeavor and leadership.

Jiefu Li, Janelia HHMI

Günter Blobel Early Career Award

Given to an outstanding early career life scientist who has served as an independent investigator for no more than seven years at the time of nomination.

Kristen Johnson, University of New Hampshire

Innovation in Education Award

Given to an individual who has demonstrated innovation in education. Innovation is defined as a novel educational accomplishment that has significantly impacted progress in achieving ASCB’s mission on the basis of work done within 3 years prior to the nomination.

David Breslow, Yale University

Innovation in Research Award

Recognizes early and mid-career scientists for their new and innovative research in cell biology. Innovation for this purpose is defined as an accomplishment that has significantly impacted progress in advancing the field of cell biology that is based on work done within 3 years prior to the nomination.

Arda Mizrak, Harvard University

Porter Prize for Research Excellence—Postdoctoral

Prize is given to a postdoctoral researcher based on scientific excellence in the spirit of Keith Porter, the emphasis will be on their contributions to the advancement of science and the novelty and creativity of their findings.

Andrew Alamban, University of California, San Francisco

Porter Prize for Research Excellence—Graduate Student

Prize is given to a graduate student based on scientific excellence in the spirit of Keith Porter, the emphasis will be on their contributions to the advancement of science and the novelty and creativity of their findings.

Kate Cavanaugh, University of California, San Francisco

Merton Bernfield Memorial Award

Established to honor outstanding postdocs or graduate students with member donations in memory of pediatrician and cell biologist Merton Bernfield.

This post was collaboratively written by several ASCB staff members.