Tennis Legends and Innovator Honored at $7 Million Gala

On November 19, 2025, the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) hosted its 20th annual Double Helix Medals dinner at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. The event successfully raised over $7 million to support CSHL’s research and education programs in biology.

A Celebration of Courage and Innovation

This year, the gala honored tennis icons and cancer advocates Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova, alongside biotechnology pioneer Dr. Robert Langer. Both Evert and Navratilova are celebrated for their remarkable achievements in tennis, each having secured 18 Grand Slam singles titles. They have since emerged as passionate advocates for cancer research and prevention, drawing from their personal experiences with the disease.

Navratilova expressed the importance of advocacy, stating, “We both realize we have such an opportunity to spread the good word. It makes you feel good when people say you made a difference. If you feel something, do something. Don’t sit on it. Chris is the living example of that.”

Evert echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the significance of early detection. “If I hadn’t had genetic testing, I wouldn’t be here,” she said. “Don’t think you’re a wimp if you go to the doctor and get checked out.”

Recognizing Pioneering Research

Dr. Robert Langer, a prominent figure in the field of biomedical engineering, was also honored for his groundbreaking work. As one of only nine MIT Institute Professors and the most cited engineer in history, Langer’s research has led to significant advancements in cancer treatment and tissue engineering. His innovations include the development of the first nanoparticles for delivering large molecules, revolutionizing approaches to medical therapies.

Reflecting on his career, Langer stated, “I’m proudest of my students. They’ve done amazing things and keep training the next generations. I hope I’m remembered as a person who challenged conventional wisdom in science and engineering and made discoveries and inventions that ended up changing the world.”

The event was chaired by a distinguished group of individuals including Mrs. Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe, Ms. Jamie Nicholls, and Mr. O. Francis Biondi, among others. Since its inception in 2006, the Double Helix Medals dinner has raised over $80 million for CSHL’s vital research and educational initiatives.

Founded in 1890, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory has played a crucial role in advancing biomedical research and education, focusing on areas such as cancer, neuroscience, and plant biology. With eight Nobel Prize winners among its ranks, the non-profit institution employs around 1,000 staff, including over 600 scientists, students, and technicians.

For further information, visit www.cshl.edu.