Introduction: A lifelong pursuit of better lungs
Curiosity has long been the compass guiding medical breakthroughs, and nowhere is that more evident than in the field of cystic fibrosis (CF). For more than four decades, pulmonologist Michael J. Welsh, MD, of University of Iowa Health Care, has turned questions into treatments, and questions into hope for people living with CF. His work culminated in the 2025 Lasker-DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award, a prestigious recognition of transformational impact on human health.
From questions to discoveries: Welsh’s enduring curiosity
Welsh’s career epitomizes how relentless curiosity can rewrite the trajectory of a disease. Early in his training, he questioned the mechanisms that drive the thick, sticky mucus characteristic of CF and the way it disrupts airway function. This elegant curiosity—why does CF mucus clump, and how can the body be helped to clear it—led to a cascade of research focused on the biology of CFTR, the protein whose malfunction underpins CF. Over decades, his investigations have illuminated the fundamental biology of the disease and translated that knowledge into better patient care.
Shaping therapy through a patient-centered lens
Welsh’s approach marries rigorous science with a clear eye on patient outcomes. His work helped illuminate how restoring CFTR function could improve lung health and longevity, a cornerstone idea that anchored the development of targeted therapies. The emphasis on practical benefits—improved lung function, better quality of life, and increased survival—has driven not only drug development but also the way clinicians monitor and support individuals with CF in everyday life.
A landmark award and its implications for CF care
The 2025 Lasker-DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award recognizes Welsh’s pivotal role in advancing CF knowledge and treatment. This honor signals the enduring value of curiosity-driven research and reinforces the importance of sustained investment in basic science, translational work, and patient-centered innovations. For people with CF and their families, the award underscores how decades of meticulous study can culminate in tangible improvements in daily living and long-term outcomes.
What the future may hold for CF, inspired by Welsh’s legacy
Today’s CF research ecosystem builds on Welsh’s legacy of asking the right questions: How can we repair or replace defective CFTR? How can therapies be tailored to individual patients based on their genetic and environmental context? Ongoing work in gene editing, modulators that enhance CFTR function, and novel approaches to airway clearance continue to evolve from the same curiosity that sparked initial breakthroughs. As scientists follow the trail of Welsh’s hypotheses, patients can anticipate more precise, effective, and accessible treatments.
Why curiosity matters in medicine
Welsh’s story is a reminder that curiosity is not a luxury in science—it is the engine of progress. By asking fundamental questions about disease mechanisms and translating discoveries into practice, researchers can transform lives. The CF community’s progress over the past decades shows how collaborative efforts, rigorous inquiry, and relentless curiosity can expand possibilities for people who once faced a grim prognosis.
Conclusion: Honoring a career that reshapes the future
As the CF field continues to evolve, the lessons from Michael J. Welsh’s work resonate beyond CF alone. Curiosity-driven research, sustained collaboration, and a focus on real-world impact remain essential to advancing medicine. The 2025 Lasker-DeBakey Award not only honors a remarkable scientist but also highlights a model for turning deep questions into durable improvements in health and hope for patients worldwide.
