Five MIT Affiliates Inducted into National Academy of Medicine for 2025

On October 20, 2023, the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) announced the election of 100 new members for 2025, among them five individuals affiliated with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). This prestigious recognition honors those who have made significant contributions to health and medicine, highlighting their professional achievements and commitment to service.

Facundo Batista serves as the associate director and scientific director at the Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, MIT, and Harvard. He has been recognized by the NAM for his groundbreaking work in understanding the biology of antibody-producing B cells, which is critical for comprehending immune system responses to infectious diseases. His recent research focuses on developing vaccines and therapeutics for significant global health challenges such as HIV, malaria, and influenza.

Batista, who earned his PhD from the International School of Advanced Studies, established his laboratory in 2002 at the Francis Crick Institute and concurrently held a professorship at Imperial College London. He joined the Ragon Institute in 2016 to enhance vaccine development using his expertise in B cells. He is also an elected fellow of several prestigious organizations, including the U.K. Academy of Medical Sciences and the American Academy of Microbiology.

Innovative Contributions to Digital Health

Dina Katabi, another esteemed MIT faculty member, has been recognized for her pioneering work in digital health technology. As the Thuan (1990) and Nicole Pham Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, her research encompasses wireless sensing, mobile computing, and artificial intelligence. The NAM acknowledged Katabi for developing innovative solutions that enable non-invasive remote health monitoring through artificial intelligence and wireless signals.

Her work has particularly advanced the field of digital biomarkers, enhancing the detection and tracking of diseases such as Parkinson’s. Katabi leads the MIT Center for Wireless Networks and Mobile Computing and is also a key figure in the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL). She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Damascus and both MS and PhD degrees from MIT. Katabi is a recipient of several honors, including the MacArthur Fellowship and membership in the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

In addition to Batista and Katabi, three MIT alumni were elected to the NAM: Christopher S. Chen, Michael E. Matheny, and Rebecca R. Richards-Kortum. Chen, who earned his degrees in mechanical engineering and health sciences, is recognized for his contributions to the field. Matheny, also an alumnus of the Harvard-MIT Program in Health Sciences and Technology, has made significant impacts in health data analytics. Richards-Kortum, with degrees in physics and health sciences, is noted for her work in biomedical engineering.

Established in 1970 as the Institute of Medicine, the National Academy of Medicine addresses vital issues in health, science, and related policy. It aims to inspire positive actions across various sectors. NAM President Victor J. Dzau expressed his honor in welcoming the new members, stating, “Their demonstrated excellence in tackling public health challenges and advancing health equity will critically strengthen our collective ability to tackle the most pressing health challenges of our time.”

The recognition of these MIT affiliates underscores the institution’s ongoing influence in the fields of health and medicine, reflecting its commitment to innovation and excellence.