Announcing our Breakthrough Prize winners
April 20, 2026
I am thrilled to share that three Penn and CHOP physician-scientists were awarded the prestigious Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences for developing gene therapy for inherited blindness.
Jean Bennett, MD, PhD, and Albert Maguire, MD, both emeritus professors of Ophthalmology, and Katherine High, MD, an emeritus professor of Pediatrics, are the dynamic team whose work laid the foundation for the more than 140 gene therapy trials for retinal conditions. These include macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, diseases that collectively impact about 30 million people in the US.
You can read more about their scientific journey and discovery from this press release and this article published in The Inquirer. The 2026 Breakthrough Prize Gala – known as the “Oscars® of Science” – will premiere on YouTube on Sunday, April 26th at 3PM EST.
We are immensely proud of Jean Bennett, Kathy High, and Al Maguire, whose honor we add to our list of previous Penn Medicine Breakthrough Prize winners: Carl June, PhD (2024), Drew Weissman, MD, PhD, and Katalin Karikó, PhD (2022), and Virginia M.Y. Lee, PhD (2019). A tribute to our Breakthrough scientists is displayed in the Kelley Research Building lobby, which we will soon augment to showcase the transformational work of Jean, Kathy, and Al.
This recognition, so richly deserved, underscores what Penn Medicine represents: Groundbreaking Science. Lifesaving Care.
All my best,
Jon
Jon Epstein, MD
Dean
