NIH Awarded Grants to Two Philadelphia Researchers
The National Institutes of Health recognized two scientists for their innovative work in architecture and synthetic biology.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Life Sciences
Live Poll
Should federal research grants prioritize high-risk, high-reward projects over traditional research?
The National Institutes of Health recently honored two Perelman School of Medicine researchers with Director's Awards for their high-risk, high-reward projects. Michael Levy and Adam Stevens will receive multi-year funding to advance their respective fields of study.
Why it matters
These awards provide significant financial support to scientists pursuing bold, unconventional research with the potential to transform public health and medical treatments. The program targets projects that demonstrate broad impact and innovation within their scientific disciplines.
Michael Levy received the Pioneer Award and will receive $700,000 annually for five years, while Adam Stevens received the New Innovator Award with $475,000 in annual funding over five years. Both awards are part of the NIH High-Risk, High-Reward program.
The players
Michael Levy
A researcher at the Perelman School of Medicine who focuses on the intersection of epidemiology and home design.
Adam Stevens
A scientist at the Perelman School of Medicine specializing in synthetic biology and cellular organization.
National Institutes of Health
The primary federal agency responsible for biomedical and public health research in the United States.
Perelman School of Medicine
The medical school associated with the University of Pennsylvania where both award recipients conduct their research.
The details
Levy aims to merge epidemiology and architecture to design healthier homes, using 3D printing techniques to reduce exposure to harmful organisms. Stevens utilizes synthetic biology to map the molecular logic of cells, with research objectives covering cancer studies, regenerative medicine, and cell therapies.
Timeline
The National Institutes of Health announced the award recipients on October 7, 2026.
The Big Picture
The NIH High-Risk, High-Reward program supports research that challenges current scientific paradigms. This funding follows a mandate to catalyze breakthroughs that traditional grant mechanisms might otherwise deem too experimental.
Levy's collaboration with the Stuart Weitzman School of Design and Housing and Urban Development could lead to healthier home construction standards. Meanwhile, Stevens' research into synthetic biology aims to provide foundational advancements in cancer care and regenerative medicine.
The takeaway
These awards demonstrate the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration in solving complex public health issues. Readers interested in innovation can watch for future developments as these projects move from laboratory theory to field applications.
Further reading
For more information on local scientific developments, visit the Life Sciences page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Former Penn President Liz Magill earned $4.46 million the year following her resignation - The Daily Pennsylvanian.
Live Poll
Should federal research grants prioritize high-risk, high-reward projects over traditional research?
