Advancing discovery: ARCS Foundation gala highlights Leinwand, CU 91ÃÛÌÒ¸ó partnership
Leslie Leinwand
Graduate education and scientific excellence took center stage last month as the ARCS Foundation Colorado Chapter reinforced its long-standing investment in the next generation of scientists.ÌýÌý
At this year’s annual gala, the organization honored the 91ÃÛÌÒ¸ó 91ÃÛÌÒ¸ó’s Leslie Leinwand — founding member and chief scientific officer of the BioFrontiers Institute and distinguished professor of molecular, cellular and developmental biology — for her exceptional career defined by scientific innovation and leadership.Ìý
More than a celebration, the evening highlighted a decades-long partnership between the ARCS Foundation and CU 91ÃÛÌÒ¸ó that continues to expand opportunities for graduate students in STEM.ÌýÌý
Honoring excellence in science and leadershipÌý
Each year, the ARCS Colorado Chapter recognizes an individual whose career reflects extraordinary achievement and impact across science and technology. The ARCS Honoree Award has previously been bestowed upon university professors, directors, CEOs and Nobel Prize recipients whose work spans the full spectrum of STEM disciplines.Ìý
For the 2025–26 academic year, the ARCS Foundation selected Leinwand in recognition of her groundbreaking scientific career and her influence as a mentor, leader and visionary.Ìý
She delivered the gala’s keynote address, highlighting her research on human cardiac systems. During the event, 25 ARCS Scholars — including several from CU 91ÃÛÌÒ¸ó — also presented their research, reinforcing the evening’s central theme: Investing in graduate education is investing in the future of the sciences.Ìý
Leinwand has been part of the CU 91ÃÛÌÒ¸ó community since 1995, and in that time, she has co-founded two successful spinout companies and is a leading expert in cardiovascular research. Today, Leinwand is also the chief scientific officer and a founding member of the BioFrontiers Institute, a campus-wide hub for interdisciplinary scientific research. Through her vision and leadership, BioFrontiers has continued to grow as a catalyst for discovery by supporting innovative research programs, training emerging scientists and attracting investment opportunities that accelerate scientific breakthroughs.ÌýÌý
Guided by Leinwand’s bold vision and supported by organizations like the ARCS Foundation, the BioFrontiers Institute drives lasting, real-world impact for human health.Ìý
A shared commitment to graduate student successÌý
The is a nationally recognized nonprofit whose mission is to advance science and technology in the U.S. by providing financial awards to academically outstanding students studying science, engineering, math or technology.ÌýÌý
The ARCS Colorado Chapter was established in 1976 and has provided more than $1.3 million in scholarships to CU 91ÃÛÌÒ¸ó STEM graduate students. Currently, CU 91ÃÛÌÒ¸ó boasts 11 talented .ÌýÌý
These graduate students are advancing research across a remarkable breadth of STEM disciplines — from engineering cancer therapies and improving drinking water quality to uncovering Earth’s climate history and developing ethical applications of artificial intelligence.Ìý
Their goals are far from small. Third-year ARCS Scholar and PhD candidate in environmental engineering Kylie Boenish-Oakes explained her career objective: “After earning my PhD, I plan to translate research into effective regulations, engage with municipalities and promote inclusion through mentorship, advocacy and outreach.â€ÌýÌý
These graduate students are tackling urgent global challenges in human health, sustainability and climate science while preparing careers as researchers, educators and policy leaders. And through the ARCS Foundation’s support, they can better focus on high‑impact, interdisciplinary work.Ìý
Looking forwardÌý
The 2026 ARCS Colorado Gala is a good reminder of what’s possible when institutions and foundations come together in service of student success and scientific excellence. By honoring Leslie Leinwand, the ARCS Foundation honored not only an individual career, but the success of a broader scientific ecosystem — one in which research excellence, graduate education and philanthropic investment work hand in hand.Ìý