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Sept. 12, 2025

 

Dear colleagues,

Today we celebrate Researcher Appreciation Day, recognizing the incredible contributions of our research community and the vital role you play in advancing science. Your work fuels discovery, drives innovation, and improves human health. 

 

Over the past year, I’ve been inspired by your resilience, creativity, and dedication. Through ongoing advocacy and new initiatives such as the SOM Pivot, Proposal and Planning Program (P4), we continue to strengthen our research enterprise and support faculty, staff, and students navigating recent changes. And your efforts yielded extraordinary results. For FY25, we secured more than $747 million in research funding—an increase from last year and a powerful testament to the determination, excellence, and impact of our research community.

 

The coming months will also be important for research advocacy, as appropriations discussions this fall will determine the future of NIH-funded research. To support these efforts, the AAMC has updated its Value of Medical Research Funding Toolkit with resources including key messages, customizable content, and social media tools to support your efforts in communicating the importance of sustained federal investment in biomedical research.

 

Your work continues to inspire and demonstrate the far-reaching influence of Emory research. This year, Emory researchers made significant breakthroughs, including discovering that psilocybin may delay aging and extend lifespan, achieving an international breakthrough in childhood brain cancer research, and advancing the Center for New Medicines by launching its inaugural cohort of therapeutic projects to accelerate drug development. Our teams are also pushing the frontiers of space biology, mapping childhood leukemia, and contributing to sustained HIV remission—extraordinary achievements that underscore the breadth and impact of Emory research.

 

Today, we honor a selection of faculty nominated by their peers for groundbreaking research and innovation. Their recognition reflects the excellence of our entire research community.
View the 2025 Researcher Appreciation Day honorees

Thank you to the Faculty Recognitions Committee and the administrative team for their efforts in organizing this celebration. Most of all, thank you for your commitment to discovery and the hope you bring to patients and families around the globe. Nominees can use these social media graphics to share the news. Be sure to tag Emory School of Medicine in your posts.

I encourage you to take a moment today to celebrate your colleagues, recognize your teams, and reflect on what we achieve together.  

With gratitude,

Sandra

Sandra L. Wong, MD, MS
Dean, Emory School of Medicine
Chief Academic Officer, Emory Healthcare
 
 
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