Nature's 10: The People Who Shaped Science in 2025

Each year, the prestigious scientific journal Nature compiles its "Nature's 10" list, a curated selection of individuals whose contributions have profoundly shaped the scientific landscape. The 2025 list, as detailed in their annual feature, tells a story of resilience against political pressure, groundbreaking discoveries in the most remote environments, and pioneering medical interventions. This year's cohort includes a fired public-health guardian, a deep-sea explorer, and the first recipient of a hyper-personalized gene therapy, illustrating the diverse and human-driven nature of scientific progress.

Guardians of Public Trust and Policy

A significant theme in the 2025 list is the defense of scientific integrity within public institutions. Susan Monarez, the director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), was fired after just one month in her role. Her dismissal, reportedly for standing firm on evidence-based public-health policy during a period of significant political upheaval in the United States, underscores the ongoing tensions between science and governance. Similarly, Precious Matsoso earned her place for her pivotal role in negotiating the world's first global pandemic treaty, a monumental effort in international cooperation aimed at preventing future health crises.

Pioneers of Discovery and Innovation

From the cosmos to the ocean floor, 2025 was a year of exploring extremes. Tony Tyson is recognized as the visionary physicist behind the new Vera Rubin Observatory, an instrument set to peer into the farthest reaches of the Universe and transform our understanding of dark matter and dark energy. In stark contrast, Mengran Du, a Chinese researcher, discovered the deepest animal ecosystems ever found on Earth, pushing the boundaries of known life in the ocean's abyss. In the realm of technology, Liang Wenfeng, a former finance expert, founded the AI company DeepSeek, marking a significant disruption in the tech investment and development landscape.

Champions in Medicine and Health

The list highlights several figures making transformative strides in healthcare. Sarah Tabrizi is leading critical clinical efforts to treat Huntington's disease, a devastating neurodegenerative condition. Yifat Merbl identified a previously unknown facet of the immune system hidden within cellular waste, opening new avenues for therapeutic research. Perhaps the most poignant story is that of KJ Muldoon, a six-month-old baby who received the first-ever hyper-personalized CRISPR gene-editing therapy, representing a landmark moment in precision medicine. Furthermore, Luciano Moreira's work in Brazil involves breeding billions of mosquitoes to combat the spread of diseases like dengue and Zika, showcasing an innovative public health strategy.

Ones to Watch in 2026

Beyond the top ten, Nature also identified key figures to monitor in the coming year. These include Reid Wiseman, commander of NASA's Artemis II mission around the Moon; Georgina Long, an oncologist advancing immunotherapy for brain tumors; and Alice Xiang, who is pioneering ethical frameworks for AI training to reduce bias. Their anticipated work points to the continued evolution of science in space exploration, oncology, and artificial intelligence governance.

The "Nature's 10" list for 2025 serves as more than a simple ranking; it is a narrative of the year's most significant scientific endeavors. It celebrates not only discovery but also the courage to uphold scientific principles in challenging environments. From protecting public health to editing a baby's genes and negotiating international treaties, these individuals exemplify the profound impact that dedicated scientists and advocates can have on our world, setting the stage for the breakthroughs of tomorrow.