Groundbreaking UBC Mathematician Dr. Leah Edelstein-Keshet Awarded Prestigious CRM-Fields-PIMS Prize

In a remarkable achievement for the University of British Columbia (UBC), Dr. Leah Edelstein-Keshet, a distinguished mathematician specializing in mathematical biology, has been honored with the coveted 2025 CRM-Fields-PIMS Prize. This award, recognized as Canada's premier accolade for research in mathematical sciences, celebrates her revolutionary contributions to the field.

Dr. Edelstein-Keshet's groundbreaking work focuses on critical areas such as cell polarization, motility, and collective biological motion. Through her expertise in mathematical modeling and computational analysis, she has tackled significant medical issues including Alzheimer's disease and diabetes. Her pioneering research was noteworthy for being the first to create complex mathematical models that elucidate the chemical signaling mechanisms behind cell movement, thereby paving the way for subsequent experiments that confirmed her theories.

The award citation highlights her unique ability to synthesize pure mathematical rigor with real-world biological significance, establishing her as a leading figure in modern mathematical biology. Her textbook, *Mathematical Models in Biology*, is hailed as a definitive resource that has influenced countless researchers and students in the discipline.

In addition to her research accolades, Dr. Edelstein-Keshet's influence extends deep into the scientific community; she has authored over 100 research papers, mentored numerous students, and published her work in prestigious journals such as *Nature* and *Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences*. Notably, she became the first female president of the Society for Mathematical Biology in 1995, highlighting her role in advancing women in STEM.

Dr. Edelstein-Keshet earned her PhD from the Weizmann Institute of Science in 1982 and subsequently held visiting professorships at Brown University and Duke University before joining UBC in 1989, where she now serves as an Emeritus Professor. Her extraordinary contributions have garnered numerous accolades, including the Krieger-Nelson Prize from the Canadian Mathematical Society and the prestigious John von Neumann Prize from the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics. In 2023, she was appointed a fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, further solidifying her status in the academic community.

The CRM-Fields-PIMS Prize is jointly bestowed by the Centre de recherches mathématiques in Montréal, the Fields Institute in Toronto, and the Pacific Institute for the Mathematical Sciences in Vancouver, underscoring its significance in celebrating outstanding contributions to mathematics in Canada.

Dr. Edelstein-Keshet's groundbreaking achievements continue to inspire both current and future generations, firmly establishing her legacy within the realms of mathematics and biology. Stay tuned, as her ongoing research might just unlock further secrets of life itself!