As 2026 begins, we honor the latest Laureate Award winners and share insights from leaders in endocrinology on mentoring and innovation in thyroid care.
As we transition from 2025 into 2026, it is fitting to celebrate the new cohort of Endocrine Society Laureate Award recipients with a multi-page tribute. Featured in “Meet the 2026 Laureates,” this year’s honorees are exemplary figures in the field of endocrinology, hailing from various parts of the globe. Neal Learner engaged them in a dialogue about their journeys, the mentorship they received, and their views on nurturing the next generation of endocrinologists.
One standout response came from Patricia Lee Brubaker, PhD, the 2026 Outstanding Mentor Award recipient. Brubaker emphasized the importance of placing trust in trainees, asserting that they are crucial in maintaining lab operations while established professionals refine essential skills like grant writing and teaching. She encourages mentors to provide opportunities for trainees to showcase their research at significant conferences, such as the Endocrine Society Annual Meeting. These experiences are vital for fostering confidence and building professional networks.
Additionally, to recognize Thyroid Awareness Month, Kelly Horvath reviewed recent studies published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. In the article titled “Minimizing Risk, Maximizing Choice: New Directions in Thyroid Care,” findings are presented on how various treatments—including radioiodine therapy for Graves’ disease—impact cancer risk and evaluate pharmacological options for benign thyroid nodules. Furthermore, the potential of percutaneous laser ablation as a minimally invasive treatment for thyroid nodules is discussed.
Giovanni Gambelunghe, MD, PhD, from the Endocrine Unit at Clinica Liotti in Perugia, Italy, is a key contributor to this ongoing research. He underscored that his study supports the efficacy and safety of the laser ablation technique. Gambelunghe noted, "What impressed me most, however, was that the overwhelming majority of patients reported they would willingly undergo the procedure again,” showcasing robust evidence of the minimally invasive nature of this approach. He encourages clinicians to incorporate this method into their treatment options confidently.
In another important development, the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases has introduced a new research portal that is expected to significantly benefit endocrine researchers worldwide. Senior Editor Derek Bagley spoke with emeritus Endocrine Society member and veteran researcher Robert Margolis, PhD, focusing on how this new resource can facilitate connections among scientists globally. This initiative, referred to as dkNET, is designed to streamline access to crucial information across disciplines for both researchers and clinicians.
Margolis expressed optimism about the portal, stating that it aims to energize researchers by providing a central hub with access to comprehensive data and community knowledge. He remarked, “dkNET provides a single-entry point to a wealth of information, data, services, and community-wide knowledge, with pathways to enhance connectivity to colleagues and others interested in their work.”
As we start this new year, it's important to encourage engagement from the Endocrine Society community. If you have story ideas relevant to our members, do not hesitate to reach out at mnewman@endocrine.org. The diverse perspectives often inspire rich discussions and innovative concepts!
Wishing a Happy New Year to all!
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