TAMEST and Lyda Hill Philanthropies are pleased to announce the recipients of the 2025 Hill Prizes. The prizes, funded by Lyda Hill Philanthropies, propel high-risk, high-reward ideas and innovations that demonstrate very significant potential for real-world impact and can lead to new, paradigm-shifting paths in research.

Gerta Hoxhaj, Ph.D., Assistant Professor at the Children’s Medical Center Research Institute at UT Southwestern (CRI), is the recipient of the 2025 Mary Beth Maddox Award and Lectureship in cancer research. She was chosen for her work in cancer metabolism and revealing new mechanisms crucial for the growth and survival of cancer cells. Learn more about the 2025 Mary Beth Maddox Award and Lectureship recipient.

The Edith and Peter O’Donnell Awards annually recognize rising Texas researchers who are addressing the essential role that science and technology play in society, and whose work meets the highest standards of exemplary professional performance, creativity and resourcefulness. Learn more about the 2025 Edith and Peter O’Donnell Awards recipients.

On Tuesday, September 3, TAMEST gathered more than 70 National Academy members, research institution leaders and others from the research community to attend a special 20th Anniversary Reception and networking event at Pegasus Park in Dallas. The evening featured an on-stage conversation with Former United States Senator The Honorable Kay Bailey Hutchison, who co-founded TAMEST in 2004, TAMEST Board President Brendan Lee, M.D., Ph.D. (NAM), Baylor College of Medicine and UT Southwestern Medical Center President and TAMEST Member Daniel K. Podolsky, M.D. (NAM). The program showcased TAMEST’s history and growth over the past 20 years and its potential in the future.