Every community has people who contribute in ways that extend far beyond the responsibilities of their official roles. The Doty-Losick Prize for Exceptional Service recognizes those individuals whose generosity, dedication, and enthusiasm make MCB a stronger and more supportive community.
The MCB Community Task Force (CTF) is now accepting nominations for the 2026 prize, which honors extraordinary and selfless service to MCB that goes well beyond an individual’s job description.
The award is open to anyone who has contributed meaningfully to the MCB community, whether or not they have a formal affiliation with the department. Nominees might include undergraduates in MCB-affiliated concentrations, MCO graduate students, students or research staff working in MCB laboratories, MCB staff or faculty, or others who have made an important contribution to the department.
Their service may benefit MCB broadly or make a difference within a particular lab, class, program, or other part of the community.
Nominations are open through Sunday, October 25, at 11:59 p.m.
Nominators should complete the 2026 nomination form and provide a one- to two-page statement describing the nominee’s service and its impact. Statements should include specific examples of efforts that went beyond the nominee’s usual responsibilities, the duration of those contributions, and the capacity in which the nominator knows the nominee.
Previous nominations may be resubmitted, and nominators may submit more than one nomination or recognize multiple individuals in a single nomination.
The recipient or recipients will receive a crystal award and a $1,000 prize, which will be divided equally if the award goes to a group. The prize will be presented at the MCB Community Forum on November 13, and the honoree or honorees will also be recognized through MCB news channels.
Honoring a Legacy of Service
The prize is named for Harvard Professors Paul Doty and Rich Losick, two scientists and leaders whose contributions helped shape both MCB and the community surrounding it.
Doty founded Harvard’s Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, one of MCB’s predecessor departments, in 1967 and served as its first chair. Losick chaired the Department of Cellular and Developmental Biology, another MCB predecessor, from 1984 to 1987 and later served as MCB chair from 1995 to 1998 and again from 2013 to 2014.
By recognizing exceptional contributions that can sometimes take place outside the spotlight, the prize carries forward their commitment to building a strong scientific community.
Past recipients include Glenda Espinoza (2025); Brittany Walsh (2024); Victoria D’Souza (2022); Michel Becuwe, Monique Brewster, Sien Verschave, and Kathleen Quast (2021); Michelle Cicerano (2020); Dominic Mao, Laura Magnotti, and Ryan Draft (2019); Adnan Syed (2018); and Andrew Murray (2017).
Questions about the prize or nomination process may be directed to MCB_CTF@fas.harvard.edu.
