Vilcek Prize for Excellence

The Vilcek Prize for Excellence, introduced in 2019, is awarded to intellectual and cultural leaders who have had a profound impact on our society and contributed a lasting legacy in the fields of arts, sciences, and humanities.

  • Candidates are nominated by Vilcek Foundation Cofounders Jan and Marica Vilcek and by President Rick Kinsel and reviewed by the foundation’s board of directors
  • Awarded according to merit, and may not be conferred every year
  • $100,000 cash award and a commemorative diploma

The Vilcek Foundation regrets that, due to staffing limitations, it cannot respond to unsolicited nominations.

2025 Vilcek Prize for Excellence

2025 Vilcek Prize for Excellence in Literary Scholarship

Henry Louis Gates Jr.

Born in United States
Henry Louis Gates Jr. receives the Vilcek Prize for Excellence for his contributions as a scholar of African American literature and culture; for his leadership in contemporary discourse on race, literature, and immigration; and for his commitment to excellence in public education.
A portrait of Henry Louis Gates Jr.

Vilcek Prizes for Excellence

Katalin Karikó

Katalin Karikó receives the Vilcek Prize for Excellence in Biotechnology for her pioneering research leadership into the development of mRNA therapeutics, which led to the development of mRNA vaccines for COVID-19.
Portrait of Katalin Karikó

Andrew Yang

Andrew Yang receives the Vilcek Prize for Excellence in Public Service in recognition of his leadership in advancing ideas addressing issues ranging from wealth inequality, to understanding how corporations use individuals’ personal data, to autism and American families.
Portrait of Andrew Yang

Robert A. Katzmann

Robert A. Katzmann (1953-2021) receives the Vilcek Prize for Excellence in the Administration of Justice for his exemplary career in public service and his dedication to broadening access to legal representation for immigrants in need.
Portrait of Robert A. Katzmann

Carmen C. Bambach

Carmen C. Bambach receives the Vilcek Prize for Excellence in Art History for revelatory contributions to the study of Renaissance drawings, and for curating landmark exhibitions that made masterpieces available to new audiences.
Portrait of Carmen C. Bambach