The 2026 Hill Prizes recognize innovators addressing pressing challenges through high-risk, high-reward ideas. Top Texas researchers receive $500,000 in direct funding to accelerate their work on AI coaching systems, biological breakthroughs and more.
Dr. Conacci-Sorrell's research reveals how cancer cells harness nutrients to drive growth and creates targeted strategies to suppress untreatable cancers. Her work focuses on nutrient utilization and protein synthesis, uncovering potential therapeutic targets in various types of tumors.
Dr. Liu's work uses genome and RNA sequencing to improve diagnosis and treatment of rare genetic diseases, benefiting thousands of patients. He has established whole-genome and RNA sequencing as clinically approved tests, enabling individualized medicine and personalized treatment.
Dr. Bilal Akin has been recognized for his groundbreaking research on sustainable and high-efficiency energy conversion systems for electric vehicles and industrial automation. His innovative contributions have enabled early warnings and enhanced system safety, shaping the future of energy and transportation.
Dr. Fan Zhang, a pioneering theoretical physicist, has made groundbreaking discoveries in quantum matter and topological physics. His research has transformed our understanding of electronic correlations and topology, inspiring experimental breakthroughs worldwide.
Dr. Yunsun Nam's groundbreaking research on RNA-protein interactions reveals key insights for gene regulation, cancer biology, and RNA-based therapeutics. Her work uncovers molecular rules governing specificity between proteins and RNAs, shedding light on novel mechanisms linking dysregulated RNA methylation to cancer.
Dr. Yue Hu has developed a system that applies reinforcement learning to optimize real-time industrial processes in the energy sector, delivering $20 million in annual savings for bp. Her work also enables transfer of expert knowledge to younger engineers through re-playable simulations.
Dr. Gerta Hoxhaj has been recognized with the 2025 Mary Beth Maddox Award and Lectureship for her groundbreaking work on cancer metabolism. Her research focuses on understanding the connections between signaling networks and metabolic pathways in cancer cells, revealing new mechanisms crucial for tumor growth.
Five Texas researchers have been honored with the 2025 Edith and Peter O'Donnell Awards for their innovative breakthroughs in small cell lung cancer, lithium-ion battery technology, and galaxy discovery. Lauren Averett Byers is being recognized for her work on novel therapeutic strategies for SCLC, while Caitlin M. Casey is exploring p...
TAMEST has recognized Lyda Hill and Lyda Hill Philanthropies for their significant contributions to scientific research and public health efforts, particularly in Texas. The organization acknowledges the impact of their philanthropic investments in various institutions, including MD Anderson Cancer Center, Meadows Mental Health Policy ...
The 2024 Hill Prizes were announced by Lyda Hill Philanthropies, awarding $2.5 million to five Texas researchers for their groundbreaking work in medicine, engineering, and biological sciences. The prizes aim to accelerate high-risk research ideas with significant potential for real-world impact.
Vincent Tagliabracci, a UT Southwestern Medical Center biochemist, has received the 2024 Edith and Peter O'Donnell Award in Biological Sciences for his groundbreaking research on understanding how enzymes work. His discovery of pseudokinases could lead to new strategies to attack COVID-19.
Ashok Veeraraghavan, Ph.D., has developed a new technology dubbed NeuWS that uses wavefront shaping and machine-learning algorithms to undo light scattering effects. This innovation could have lifesaving applications in various fields like firefighting, automotive, and medicine.
Dr. Deneen's research has revealed that astrocytes communicate with neurons, influencing brain circuits and animal behavior, potentially leading to new treatments for neurological disorders. His work could provide valuable insights into developmental neurobiology and brain diseases.
Dr. Hambuchen's affordance template innovation allows remote humans to interact with robots as supervisors, guiding them to complete tasks while maintaining autonomy. This technology has significant implications for NASA's space exploration and deep-sea exploration, overcoming the challenge of time delays.
Shengqian Ma, Ph.D., receives the 2024 Edith and Peter O'Donnell Award in Physical Sciences for his groundbreaking research on nanoporous materials-based nanotraps. These nanotraps can effectively clean up environmental pollutants like oil, mercury, and nuclear waste.
Dr. Benjamin Arenkiel's research identified a convergent brain circuit that combines sensory perceptions and motivational state, linking basal forebrain circuits to behaviors such as anxiety, anorexia, addiction, and more. His work offers a new approach to treating severe eating disorders, obesity, and addictive behaviors by manipulati...
Christian A. Davies, Ph.D., has been awarded the 2021 Edith and Peter O'Donnell Award in Technology Innovation from TAMEST for his development of alternative carbon management technologies that reduce emissions. His work focuses on combining DNA sequencing techniques with net carbon flux to analyze microbes in soil.
Dr. Guihua Yu, a materials scientist at the University of Texas, has developed new multifunctional polymeric nanostructures with unique physical properties that improve efficiency and function. His research focuses on organic nanomaterials and understanding structures down to their smallest scale.
Dr. Benjamin Tu's research on cellular roles of small molecule metabolites has led to the discovery of a unique pathway supporting cancerous cell growth. His work challenges the long-held belief that metabolites are merely passive in their function, unveiling that they may drive key cellular processes.
Dr. Frost's team identified targets that can mitigate the spread of toxic proteins in the brain, aiming to intervene at the earliest stages of the disease. By preventing tau protein activation, her research holds promise for preventing memory loss and cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients.
The 2020 Edith and Peter O'Donnell Awards recognize Texas researchers making groundbreaking discoveries in Alzheimer's disease treatment, malaria treatment, kidney stone research, and star merger processes. The awards celebrate innovative work that advances science and improves lives.
Dr. Jeffrey Rimer's groundbreaking research using crystals has led to the development of new materials and treatments for malaria and kidney stones. His work enables visualization of complex mechanisms, improving catalysis in petrochemical processes.
Ralph DeBerardinis' work has changed the understanding of how tumors reprogram metabolic pathways to maximize energy production and growth. His discoveries have opened new avenues for therapies and imaging techniques, targeting cancer cells' diverse metabolic preferences.
Julie Pfeiffer's groundbreaking research has redefined how we think about life-threatening viral infections, discovering new ways bacteria affect virus infection. Her work shows antibiotics can have antiviral effects, driving research into new treatments for viruses.
Hal S. Alper's research focuses on creating new molecules for plastics, drugs, and other products using sustainable methods. His work has the potential to significantly reduce pollution in the chemical industry.
Terrence F. Alger II, a leading researcher at Southwest Research Institute, has been awarded the 2019 Edith and Peter O'Donnell Award in Technology Innovation for his groundbreaking work on vehicle engines. His Dedicated Exhaust Gas Recirculation technology improves fuel economy by up to 15% while reducing engine-out emissions.
The TAMEST Shale Task Force report highlights both benefits and consequences of shale development in Texas. Key findings include an increase in earthquakes due to wastewater disposal wells, habitat fragmentation, increased greenhouse gas emissions, and contamination risks to drinking water sources.