On October 20, 2023, during its annual meeting, the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) announced the election of 100 new members, including two faculty members from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and three additional alumni. This prestigious honor recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional achievements in health and medicine, as well as a commitment to service.
Facundo Batista, an associate director and scientific director at the Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, MIT, and Harvard University, was elected for his groundbreaking research on antibody-producing B cells. His work aims to enhance the understanding of the human immune response to infectious diseases. Notably, his recent research has focused on the development of preclinical vaccines and therapeutics addressing significant global health challenges such as HIV, malaria, and influenza.
Batista earned his PhD from the International School of Advanced Studies and established his laboratory in 2002, while also holding a professorship at Imperial College London. In 2016, he joined the Ragon Institute to develop a new research program that leverages his expertise in B cells and antibody responses for vaccine development. His ongoing work addresses diseases including SARS-CoV-2 and HIV. Batista’s contributions to the field have earned him fellowships in several prestigious organizations, including the U.K. Academy of Medical Sciences and the American Academy of Microbiology.
Dina Katabi, also elected to the NAM, is the Thuan (1990) and Nicole Pham Professor in MIT’s Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. Her research encompasses digital health, wireless sensing, mobile computing, machine learning, and computer vision. The NAM recognizes Katabi for her pioneering work in digital health technology, which enables non-invasive remote health monitoring through artificial intelligence and wireless signals. She has developed digital biomarkers to track the progression of Parkinson’s disease and improve clinical trial outcomes.
Katabi holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Damascus and obtained her MS and PhD in computer science from MIT. She is also a MacArthur Fellow and a member of several prestigious academies, including the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering.
Additional MIT alumni elected to the NAM for 2025 include Christopher S. Chen, Michael E. Matheny, and Rebecca R. Richards-Kortum. Chen, who holds degrees in mechanical engineering and health sciences and technology, has made significant contributions to the field. Matheny, also an alumnus of the health sciences and technology program, is recognized for his work in health informatics. Richards-Kortum has a background in physics and health sciences and technology, contributing to advancements in medical technologies.
Originally established in 1970 as the Institute of Medicine, the NAM addresses critical issues in health, science, medicine, and related policy. The organization aims to inspire positive actions across sectors. According to NAM President Victor J. Dzau, “I am deeply honored to welcome these extraordinary health and medicine leaders and researchers into the National Academy of Medicine. Their demonstrated excellence in tackling public health challenges will critically strengthen our collective ability to tackle the most pressing health challenges of our time.”
