The Endocrine Society today announced it has chosen 14 leading endocrinologists as winners of its prestigious 2025 Laureate Awards, the top honors in the field. Among those receiving honors are University of Illinois professors Lori Raetzman and Erik Nelson of the Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology in the School of Molecular & Cellular Biology.

Endocrinologists are scientists and medical doctors who specialize in unraveling the mysteries of hormone disorders to care for patients and cure diseases. These professionals have achieved breakthroughs in scientific discoveries and clinical care benefiting people with hundreds of conditions, including diabetes, thyroid disorders, obesity, hormone-related cancers, growth problems, osteoporosis and infertility.

Established in 1944, the Society’s Laureate Awards recognize the highest achievements in the endocrinology field, including groundbreaking research and innovations in clinical care.

Lori Raetzman, PhD, was selected for the Sidney H. Ingbar Distinguished Service Award, which recognizes distinguished service to the Endocrine Society and the field of endocrinology. Raetzman is a professor of molecular and integrative physiology and the associate director for the School of Molecular & Cellular Biology's PhD Programs. Since joining the Endocrine Society in 2001, she has served on numerous committees. Her initiatives, including incorporating social media for enhanced trainee engagement and organizing workshops on critical professional development topics, have amplified the society's reach and inclusivity. She has also been instrumental in fostering diversity and leadership through programs like FLARE, supporting underrepresented minorities in basic and clinical research. She is currently a member of the Endocrine Society’s Adrenal and Pituitary Special Interest Group, the Editor-in-Chief Search Committee for Endocrinology, and the Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals Clinical Strategy/Resources Task Force, as well as co-chair of the Research Affairs Core Committee. 

Erik Nelson, PhD, was chosen to receive the Richard E. Weitzman Outstanding Early Career Investigator Award, which recognizes an exceptionally promising young clinical or basic investigator. Nelson is an associate professor of molecular and integrative physiology. His work has defined biochemical links between dyslipidemia/hypercholesterolemia and the pathobiology of osteoporosis and breast cancer. His findings have contributed to novel therapeutic approaches being explored as breast cancer treatments and preventatives. Nelson’s work establishing cholesterol-derived oxysterols as agents which influence the pathology of disease is groundbreaking and clinically impactful. His work highlights the importance of studying biological processes at their most fundamental level to appreciate the best ways to intervene for therapeutic benefit. He is currently a member of the Society’s Annual Meeting Steering Committee and an editorial board member for the basic science journal Endocrinology

The Endocrine Society will present the awards to the winners at ENDO 2025, the Society’s annual meeting, being held July 12-15, 2025, in San Francisco, Calif.

Congratulations to Professors Nelson and Raetzman on these well-deserved honors!