The Endocrine Society has officially unveiled the 13 recipients of its 2027 Laureate Awards, marking the highest honors bestowed within the global field of endocrinology. These awards, established in 1944, recognize individuals who have demonstrated unparalleled excellence in scientific discovery, clinical innovation, and medical education. The 2027 cohort represents a diverse group of physicians and researchers whose work addresses some of the most pressing health challenges of the 21st century, including the global diabetes epidemic, rising rates of obesity, hormone-related cancers, and complex reproductive disorders. The formal presentation of these accolades is scheduled to take place during ENDO 2027, the Society’s premier annual meeting, which will be held from June 5-7 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
The Laureate Awards serve as a testament to the evolution of hormone health, a field that has expanded significantly since the Endocrine Society’s founding in 1916. Today, endocrinology encompasses a vast array of conditions affecting millions of patients worldwide. The 2027 winners have been selected for their contributions to understanding the pathogenesis and therapy of conditions such as osteoporosis, thyroid disorders, and infertility, as well as for their leadership in geographic regions with historically underdeveloped medical resources.
A Legacy of Scientific Excellence and Clinical Innovation
The selection of the 2027 Laureates follows a rigorous peer-nomination and review process designed to identify the "best of the best" in the field. This year’s recipients join a prestigious lineage of past winners, many of whom have gone on to receive Nobel Prizes or lead major international health organizations. By recognizing both basic science and clinical application, the Endocrine Society highlights the essential "bench-to-bedside" pipeline that drives medical progress.
Among the top honors is the Edwin B. Astwood Award for Outstanding Research in Basic Science, granted to JoAnne S. Richards, MS, PhD. A Professor at Baylor College of Medicine, Dr. Richards has spent over five decades investigating the molecular underpinnings of ovarian function. Her work is particularly noted for identifying the signaling pathways of estrogen and luteinizing hormones, which are critical to understanding ovulation. Her research has also led to the development of sophisticated mouse models that have become indispensable in the study of ovarian cancer. Notably, her recent work has helped redefine Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) as Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS), reflecting a more comprehensive understanding of the condition’s metabolic complexities.
Global Leadership and International Impact
Endocrinology is a global discipline, and the 2027 awards emphasize the importance of international collaboration and resource development. The International Excellence in Endocrinology Award has been bestowed upon Bagher Larijani, MD, of the Tehran University of Medical Science in Iran. Dr. Larijani’s leadership at the Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center (EMRC) has been instrumental in bridging the gap between basic research and clinical practice in the Middle East. His efforts have focused on non-communicable diseases, specifically diabetes and obesity, which are seeing a sharp rise in prevalence across developing nations.
Similarly, the Outstanding Mentor Award recognizes Ghada El-Hajj Fuleihan, MD, MPH, for her transformative impact on medical education in Lebanon and the broader Middle East. Based at the American University of Beirut, Dr. Fuleihan has spearheaded the NIH-funded Scholars in Health Research Program, training hundreds of researchers. Her work in bone and mineral research has not only improved clinical outcomes for osteoporosis patients but has also built a sustainable infrastructure for future physician-scientists in the region.
Advancing Diagnostics and Patient-Centered Care
In the realm of clinical investigation, Mirjam Christ-Crain, MD, PhD, of the University Hospital Basel in Switzerland, has been honored with the Outstanding Clinical Investigator Award. Dr. Christ-Crain is credited with revolutionizing the diagnosis of vasopressin-related disorders. Her research established copeptin-based testing as the international gold standard for diagnosing arginine vasopressin deficiency—a condition formerly known as central diabetes insipidus. This breakthrough has significantly reduced diagnostic errors and improved the management of the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuresis (SIAD), directly impacting patient safety and quality of life.
The 2027 awards also recognize the vital role of frontline practitioners. Rebecca Adochio, MD, recipient of the Vigersky Outstanding Clinical Practitioner Award, exemplifies the commitment to community-based care. Serving as the Medical Director of Colorado Mountain Medical/Vail Health, Dr. Adochio has been a pioneer in telehealth innovation, ensuring that patients in rural and mountainous regions have access to specialized endocrine care. Her focus on diabetes prevention and personalized medicine highlights the shift toward more accessible, patient-centric healthcare models.
Shaping the Future of Women’s and Men’s Health
Reproductive health remains a cornerstone of endocrine research, and several 2027 Laureates have made significant strides in this area. Anuja Dokras, MD, MHCI, PhD, from the University of Pennsylvania, received the Outstanding Scholarly Physician Award for her work on PMOS (formerly PCOS). By establishing one of the first multidisciplinary PMOS centers in the United States, Dr. Dokras has highlighted the long-term cardiovascular and mental health risks associated with the disorder, influencing international clinical guidelines.
On the front of men’s health, Shalender Bhasin, MD, of Brigham and Women’s Hospital, has been awarded the Roy O. Greep Award for Outstanding Research. Dr. Bhasin is a world authority on testosterone therapy. His clinical trials have established the safety and efficacy standards for treating hypogonadism and age-related muscle loss. As the chair of the Society’s Guideline Writing Committee for testosterone therapy, his work ensures that millions of men receive evidence-based care that balances benefits with potential risks.
Furthering the translational reach of reproductive science, Stephanie Seminara, MD, of Harvard Medical School, received the Gerald D. Aurbach Award. Her use of genetic architecture and peptide probes has provided new insights into human puberty and infertility. By identifying the hypothalamic pathways that control reproduction, her research offers hope for new diagnostic tools and treatments for both men and women facing reproductive endocrine disorders.
Early Career Breakthroughs and Educational Excellence
The Endocrine Society also looks toward the future by recognizing emerging talent. Rafael Arrojo e Drigo, PhD, of Vanderbilt University, is the recipient of the Richard E. Weitzman Outstanding Early Career Investigator Award. Dr. Arrojo e Drigo’s discovery of "age mosaicism"—the phenomenon where different cells within the same tissue age at different rates—has profound implications for understanding metabolic health and longevity. His work on pancreatic islet function is particularly relevant to the study of type 2 diabetes and the biological processes of aging.
Education remains a pillar of the Society’s mission, and Amal Shibli-Rahhal, MD, of the University of Iowa, has been recognized with the Outstanding Educator Award. As an Associate Dean, Dr. Shibli-Rahhal has introduced innovative teaching methods that have become models for medical training nationwide. Her mentorship has encouraged a new generation of medical students to enter the field of endocrinology, ensuring the specialty’s growth and vitality.
Finally, Aliya Khan, MD, received the Outstanding Leadership in Endocrinology Award. Her work in metabolic bone disease and parathyroid disorders has led to the creation of international guidelines and a world-class fellowship program. Her leadership underscores the necessity of high-level administration and advocacy in advancing global medical standards.
Broader Implications and the Road to ENDO 2027
The announcement of the 2027 Laureates comes at a time when the field of endocrinology is facing unprecedented demand. According to the World Health Organization, the global prevalence of diabetes has nearly quadrupled since 1980, and metabolic disorders are now leading causes of morbidity and mortality. The work of these 13 individuals provides the scientific and clinical framework necessary to combat these trends.
The transition from PCOS to PMOS, the development of copeptin-based testing, and the exploration of age mosaicism are not merely academic milestones; they are shifts in the medical paradigm that will influence insurance coverage, diagnostic protocols, and pharmaceutical development for decades.
As the medical community prepares for the ENDO 2027 meeting in Toronto, the focus will remain on how these individual achievements can be scaled to improve public health outcomes globally. The Society has also noted that nominations for the 2028 Laureate Awards will open in late 2027, continuing the cycle of excellence that has defined the organization for over 80 years. For now, the 2027 winners stand as the vanguard of a field dedicated to the complex, vital, and ever-evolving study of human hormones.
