The Ragon Institute is proud to announce that faculty member Daniel Lingwood, PhD, has been selected as a 2025 MGH Research Scholar.

The MGH Research Scholars program provides exceptional scientists at Massachusetts General Hospital with unrestricted funding, enabling visionary research into new scientific frontiers that traditional funding avenues might not readily support. Funds can be used to expand the scope of existing research, purchase new equipment, hire additional researchers or otherwise support investigative efforts.

Lingwood’s laboratory tackles a fundamental question in immunology: How does the B cell response derive biochemical affinity needed to engage/target diverse molecular targets, such as those presented by viruses, bacteria and vaccines? His team’s innovative approach leverages the discovery that humans harbor specialized antibody genes naturally encoded to target conserved sites of vulnerability—critical regions in rapidly evolving pathogens that remain constant despite mutations.

Using carefully designed “germline stimulating” vaccines tested within purpose-built humanized models, the Lingwood Lab aims to selectively activate these naturally existing broad-protective antibodies, offering the promise of more effective vaccines against pathogens that resist conventional immunization strategies.

“It is an honor to receive the MGH Scholars Award as recognition by my peers,” Lingwood said, “and I am excited to position our new vaccine approach to elicit broadly protective immunity in humans.”

The Ragon Institute congratulates Dr. Lingwood on this well-deserved recognition and looks forward to witnessing the advancements his research will achieve in addressing global health challenges.