Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory’s Gala Nets Over $7 Million for Research

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) successfully hosted its 20th annual Double Helix Medals dinner on November 19, 2025, at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. The event raised over $7 million, earmarked for CSHL’s biological research and educational initiatives.

Honoring Tennis Legends and a Biotechnology Pioneer

This year’s gala celebrated the achievements of tennis icons turned cancer advocates, Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova, alongside biotechnology innovator Dr. Robert Langer. Evert and Navratilova are recognized as two of the most accomplished tennis players, each holding 18 Grand Slam singles titles. Both have faced cancer diagnoses and have become vocal advocates for cancer research and early detection.

Navratilova shared her perspective on their advocacy work, stating, “We both realize we have such an opportunity to spread the good word. It makes you feel good when people say you made a difference. If you feel something, do something. Don’t sit on it. Chris is the living example of that.”

Evert echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of health screenings: “If I hadn’t had genetic testing, I wouldn’t be here. Don’t think you’re a wimp if you go to the doctor and get checked out.”

Recognizing a Pioneer in Biotechnology

Dr. Robert Langer, one of only nine MIT Institute Professors and the most cited engineer globally, was acknowledged for his groundbreaking contributions to cancer treatment and tissue engineering. His collaboration with Dr. Judah Folkman led to the discovery of the first angiogenesis inhibitors, pivotal in developing new therapies for cancer and blindness.

Langer remarked on his legacy, stating, “I’m proudest of my students. They’ve done amazing things and keep training the next generations. I hope I’m remembered as a person who challenged conventional wisdom in science and engineering and made discoveries and inventions that ended up changing the world.”

The evening was chaired by a distinguished group, including Mrs. Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe, Ms. Jamie Nicholls, and Mr. O. Francis Biondi, among others. Since its inception in 2006, the Double Helix Medals dinner has raised over $80 million to support CSHL’s research and education programs, highlighting the commitment of its supporters to advancing science.

Founded in 1890, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory has played a crucial role in shaping modern biomedical research. The institution is home to eight Nobel Prize winners and employs approximately 1,000 individuals, including 600 scientists, students, and technicians, focusing on fields such as cancer, neuroscience, and plant biology. For further details, visit www.cshl.edu.