Helen Blau was recently named a "Great Immigrant" and member of the 2025 cohort by the Carnegie Foundation of New York. Each year the foundation recognizes 20 distinguished naturalized American citizens whose contributions have enriched our society and helped to strengthen our democracy. The Great Immigrants Award was created to showcase the positive impact immigrants have on the United States across various fields such as business, the arts, education, and philanthropy.
The 2025 Class is comprised of naturalized citizens from 16 countries who are leaders across academia, the arts, business, journalism, medicine, philanthropy, and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). Every Fourth of July since 2006, Carnegie has celebrated the exemplary contributions of immigrants to American life, as part of its focus on reducing political polarization and strengthening democracy.
Helen Blau was recognized for her groundbreaking work on cellular plasticity and subsequent discoveries of the biological mechanisms of stem cells, tissue regeneration, and aging and rejuvenation of weakened muscles have led to advances in stem cell–based therapies and regenerative medicine. An article in the Stanford News Center has more details.