George Yancopoulos '87: Gold Medalist for Outstanding Achievements in Medical Research

George D. Yancopoulos, M.D., Ph.D., was presented with a Gold Medal for Outstanding Achievements in Medical Research at the VP&S Alumni Reunion on April 24, 2026, in New York City.

A physician-scientist and biotechnology leader, Dr. Yancopoulos has played a central role in shaping how new medicines are discovered and developed. As co-founder, co-chair, president, and chief scientific officer of Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, he has helped build a research enterprise that links fundamental biological insight to the creation of widely used therapies, contributing to the development of more than a dozen FDA-approved medicines.

He is a principal inventor and developer of treatments including EYLEA®, for retinal disease, and Dupixent®, for asthma and other inflammatory conditions. His scientific work has advanced understanding of antibody development and cytokine signaling and led to the creation of enabling technologies, including genetically humanized mouse platforms such as VelocImmune®, which have accelerated drug discovery and contributed to antibody-based therapies for diseases including Ebola.

Dr. Yancopoulos, a first-generation Greek-American, grew up in New York City and attended public schools. He graduated as valedictorian of both the Bronx High School of Science and Columbia College. He earned a Ph.D. in biochemistry and molecular biophysics from Columbia in 1986 and an M.D. from the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1987. He continues to serve the University as vice chair of the Columbia University Medical Center Board of Visitors. 

This award honors alumni who have made outstanding achievements in medical research by advancing their field and creating tangible impacts on patient care. Learn more about the VP&S Alumni Association’s annual awards program and submit a nomination for yourself or a fellow alum.