20 Breakthroughs of 2025

A look back at 20 of the innovative breakthroughs happening at Penn in 2025 offers a glimpse of research that spans boundaries, forging novel connections to advance knowledge, improve lives, and address the greatest challenges of the time, including climate, health and data.

It’s not just what is done, but how it is done.

As Penn researchers lean into collaborations that cross disciplines and boundaries, recognizing that the more ideas and people from all backgrounds are at the table, the more rigorous and creative the discoveries will be. In laboratories, clinics, libraries and at field sites, Penn researchers had breakthroughs across a range of disciplines, discovering ancient tombs, treating the world’s first patient with personalized CRISPR gene editing therapy, and developing cleaner, greener concrete. These stories are a snapshot of the vibrant, innovative research at Penn.

• Penn engineers, materials scientists and designers have developed a 3D-printed concrete solution based on diatomaceous earth that has enhanced carbon capture, is stronger, and uses fewer materials like cement.
• Penn engineers have developed the world’s smallest fully programmable, autonomous robots. These microrobots, each smaller than a grain of salt, could drive advancements in medicine and manufacturing.
• An interdisciplinary team of Penn researchers uncovered how solid tumors communicate with engineered cancer-fighting cells, causing them to commit fratricide and inhibit treatment, pointing toward improved therapies for treating cancers.

Read More at Penn Today

Pictured above: Penn Engineering materials scientist Shu Yang and Weitzman School of Design architect Masoud Akbarzadeh teamed up to develop a 3D concrete printing system that captures carbon dioxide and boosts the structural performance of the building materials. (Credit: Eric Sucar)