Leah Edelstein-Keshet Prize

Leah Edelstein-Keshet became the first woman President of the Society for Mathematical Biology in 1995. She is the author of the influential book, “Mathematical Models in Biology” in the SIAM Series Classics in Applied Mathematics. Leah Edelstein-Keshet is well-known for her outstanding scientific contributions and impact on the field of mathematical biology and biophysics. She has served as a role model and mentor in mathematical biology and her scientific insight has positively influenced many students over the years.

The award has two versions, junior and established/senior scientists, each given every four years. In the junior scientist version, the award recognizes a woman in an early stage of her career (assistant professor level at the nomination deadline) who is making exceptional scientific contributions to mathematical biology, developing a strong independent research program, and exhibiting a continuously high level of scientific endeavor and leadership. In the established/senior scientist version, the award recognizes an established scientist (associate, or full professor) with a demonstrated track record of exceptional scientific contributions to mathematical biology and/or has effectively developed mathematical models impacting biology. At the full professor rank, we expect that the recipient will exemplify a high level of scientific endeavor and leadership. This person should have made outstanding scientific achievements coupled with a record of active leadership in mentoring scientific careers.

The award recipient will receive a cash award of $500 and a certificate at the award ceremony in the Annual Meeting of the Society. They are also expected to give a talk at the Annual Meeting of the Society for Mathematical Biology.

Recipients of the Leah Edelstein-Keshet Prize

2025 – Kathleen Curtius, UC San Diego (junior)
2023 – Trachette Jackson, University of Michigan (senior)
2021 – Jennifer A. Flegg, University of Melbourne (junior)
2019 – Helen M. Byrne, University of Oxford (senior)
2017 – Stacey D. Finley, University of Southern California (junior)