BETHESDA, MD – The Biophysical Society is pleased to announce that Jie Xiao, of the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, USA, will receive the 2026 Carolyn Cohen Innovation Award. Xiao will be honored at the Society’s 70th Annual Meeting, being held in San Francisco, California from February 21-25, 2026.

Xiao will be recognized for her pioneering work in developing single-molecule imaging and analysis approaches to investigate the molecular and cellular mechanisms of bacterial cell division and transcription.

“Jie’s colleagues and collaborators note that what truly distinguishes Jie is her vision and her unabashed boldness to pursue novel scientific concepts and approaches,” said BPS President Lynmarie Thompson of the University of Massachusetts Amherst. “It is not only her work, but her ingenuity, technical mastery, and relentless drive that set her apart. The fact that Jie’s technical innovations have become standard tools in bacterial cell biology labs and are considered foundational references in the field is the reason she has been selected as the Carolyn Cohen Innovation Award Winner.”

About the Award - The Carolyn Cohen Innovation Award recognizes a BPS member who advances our fundamental understanding of biological systems through the development of novel theory, models, concepts, techniques, or applications. 

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The Biophysical Society, founded in 1958, is a professional, scientific society established to lead an innovative global community working at the interface of the physical and life sciences, across all levels of complexity, and to foster the dissemination of that knowledge. The Society promotes growth in this expanding field through its Annual Meeting, publications, and outreach activities. Its 6,500 members are located throughout the world, where they teach and conduct research in colleges, universities, laboratories, government agencies, and industry.