Graduates at the University of Washington’s 151st Commencement, scheduled for Saturday, June 13, at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium, will hear from Mary E. Brunkow, Class of ’83, who shared the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.
Brunkow, who studied molecular and cellular biology at the UW, won the Nobel Prize for “groundbreaking discoveries concerning peripheral immune tolerance that prevents the immune system from harming the body.” Brunkow said she plans to inspire graduates to pursue innovations and discoveries that will make an impact around the world.
“I’m honored to be addressing the Class of 2026 at the University of Washington, the place where I discovered the joy of asking hard questions in a community that believes in possibility,” Brunkow said. “At the UW, mentors opened lab doors, curiosity was encouraged and persistence was taught by example. I look forward to celebrating and encouraging the next generation of explorers, creators and changemakers at the institution that sparked my own sense of what a life in science — and service — could be.”
Brunkow shares the Nobel Prize with Frederick J. Ramsdell and Shimon Sakaguchi for their combined research into how the immune system works. Brunkow and Ramsdell conducted research together at Celltech Chiroscience, formerly Darwin Molecular, in Bothell, Washington. They identified a mutation in a gene called Foxp3, which makes mice susceptible to a systemic autoimmune disorder and is manifested by a visible skin condition. Mutations in the human equivalent of the Foxp3 gene are also responsible for IPEX syndrome, which has symptoms including intestinal problems, diabetes and scaly, itchy skin.
Later, Sakaguchi described the role of the wild-type Foxp3 gene in the development of certain white blood cells known as regulatory T cells. These cells, which Sakaguchi discovered, keep other T cells from mistakenly attacking normal tissues. Regulatory T cells also call a ceasefire once the body gets an infection under control.
Together, these discoveries led researchers to develop a concept called “peripheral immune tolerance,” through which the body keeps the immune system in check by avoiding autoimmune responses that can damage healthy tissues. The research field based on this concept holds promise in advancing therapies for cancers and autoimmune diseases, and improving treatments to reduce transplant rejection.
“Mary Brunkow’s groundbreaking work reflects the power of curiosity, persistence and discovery to improve lives around the world,” said UW President Robert J. Jones. “We are proud to count her among the University of Washington’s distinguished alumni and honored to welcome her back to inspire the Class of 2026 as they begin their own journeys of service, leadership and innovation.”
Brunkow is currently a distinguished investigator and senior program manager at the Institute for Systems Biology in Seattle. After graduating from the UW, she went on to earn her doctoral degree from Princeton University in 1991. In addition to being the featured speaker at Commencement, Brunkow also will receive the Alumna Summa Laude Dignata Award, the highest honor bestowed upon a UW graduate.
Contact Jackson Holtz at jjholtz@uw.edu for more information or to arrange an interview with Brunkow.