Caltech Faculty Named Laureates of the 2025 Wolf Prize

Two members of the Caltech faculty have been named 2025 Wolf Prize laureates in recognition of their distinguished scientific accomplishments; the David Baltimore Professor of Biology and Bioengineering, Pamela Björkman, received the accolade in medicine, whereas the Frank J. Roshek Professor of Physics and Applied Physics, emeritus, Jim Eisenstein, received the prize in physics.

The Wolf Prize is a prestigious award that recognizes “outstanding achievements in advancing science and the arts for the betterment of humanity,” and many of its laureates have continued to receive the Nobel Prize. Professors Björkman and Eisenstein join a list of illustrious Caltech faculty in receiving the Wolf Prize, including Benoit Mandelbrot, discoverer of the well-renowned Mandelbrot set, and Rudy Marcus, who went on to receive the 1992 Nobel Prize in Chemistry seven years afterward.

Professor Björkman’s research has primarily centered around viral proteins. From deducing the 3D structure of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, which facilitate T lymphocyte (or white blood cell) recognition of pathogens and are integral to the vertebrate immune system, to the study of various viral proteins and interactions, the Prize lauds Björkman for “pioneering innovative strategies to overcome viral defenses through novel antibody-focused approaches.” In this direction, Björkman made breakthrough contributions to developing an effective immune response to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), as well as in outlining antigen-antibody interactions on the surface of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus spike protein, which in turn played a significant role in developing effective immunizations against SARS-CoV-2.

Eisenstein’s award cites his contribution to “advancing our understanding of the surprising properties of two-dimensional electron systems in strong magnetic fields.” In addition to co-discovering the fractional quantum Hall state at filling fraction 5/2, Professor Eisenstein’s work in 2D electron systems and electron binding to cross-layer vacancies in bilayer electron systems also helped lead to the observation of Bose-Einstein condensation of excitons, bound states of electrons and electron holes.

Professor Eisenstein formally assumed emeritus status in 2018 but continues to actively support the undergraduate physics curriculum. Professor Björkman, meanwhile, continues to maintain a robust research program on important questions in viral immunology.