Dr. Erica Ollmann Saphire, President and CEO of La Jolla Institute for Immunology, has been named the 2025 San Diego Genius Award honoree by Mainly Mozart, a nonprofit organization renowned for its contributions to the arts and sciences. The award, which recognizes individuals whose work spans science, technology, and the arts, will be presented at a gala dinner on October 18, 2025, at the Westgate Hotel in San Diego.
Dr. Saphire's research has been instrumental in understanding how viruses like Ebola, Marburg, Lassa, and SARS-CoV-2 infect human cells and evade immune defenses. Her leadership in solving the structures of viral glycoproteins and guiding global vaccine design efforts has bridged the gap between scientific discovery and practical medical solutions. Notably, her initiatives, including the CoVIC initiative supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, have united scientists worldwide in the fight against viral diseases.
The Genius Award celebrates Dr. Saphire's contributions not only to science but also to the global community, embodying the 'Genius in the Spirit of Mozart.' Her work has earned her numerous accolades, including the Presidential Early Career Award in Science and Engineering, underscoring the significance of her research in advancing global health.
The Genius Awards Dinner will feature musical performances by Edric Saphire, a Mainly Mozart Youth Orchestra alum, highlighting the evening's blend of science and the arts. Proceeds from the event support Mainly Mozart's artistic and educational programs, furthering its mission to enrich lives through music and innovation.
For more information on the Genius Awards Dinner or to purchase tickets, visit mainlymozart.org/genius.
