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 San Diego nonprofit renowned for its All-Star Orchestra Festival. This prestigious award recognizes individuals whose contributions across science, technology, and the arts have significantly enriched the community, embodying the 'Genius in the Spirit of Mozart.' Dr. Saphire will be honored at a gala event on October 18, 2025, at the Westgate Hotel in downtown San Diego.
Dr. Saphire's research has been pivotal in understanding how viruses like Ebola, Marburg, Lassa, and SARS-CoV-2 infect human cells and evade immune defenses. Her leadership has led to the high-resolution structural analysis of viral glycoproteins, guiding global vaccine design efforts. Notably, her work with the CoVIC initiative, supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and the NIAID Viral Hemorrhagic Fever Immunotherapeutic Consortium, has united scientists worldwide in a collaborative effort to bridge the gap between scientific discoveries and medical applications.
In addition to her viral research, Dr. Saphire has launched an innovative initiative to explore sex-based differences in the immune system, addressing a critical gap in medical research. Her contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including the Presidential Early Career Award in Science and Engineering and the California Life Sciences Pantheon Award for Academia.
The Genius Awards Dinner not only celebrates Dr. Saphire's achievements but also supports Mainly Mozart's artistic and educational programs. Tickets for the event are available at mainlymozart.org/genius, with proceeds benefiting initiatives like the Mainly Mozart Youth Orchestra and community outreach programs.
Dr. Saphire's recognition underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation in addressing global health challenges. Her work exemplifies how scientific breakthroughs can have a profound impact on society, making her a fitting recipient of the San Diego Genius Award.
