Prof. Danielle Wood wins the 2025 Letten Prize 

The Letten Foundation and the Young Academy of Norway are today proud to announce that this year’s Letten Prize will be awarded to Professor Danielle Wood,  from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA. 

From NASA technology to sustainability 

Wood has been awarded the prize for her outstanding work using space technology to create meaningful change for people on Earth. Her research evaluates the diverse ways space technologies can contribute to addressing global development goals, ranging from drought to deforestation to food insecurity, and she has pioneered novel techniques for applying space data to these challenges. Her collaborations across Africa empower local young scientists and institutions to harness space-based insights while building long-term capacity through training and education. By combining her expertise in systems engineering and aerospace with a commitment to sustainable development, Dr. Wood embodies the interdisciplinary and purpose-driven spirit of Letten Saugstad is and a highly deserving recipient of the Letten Prize. 

This year marks the 4th time the prize is awarded. The Letten Prize, established in Norway 2018, aims to highlight young researchers who contribute to solving major global challenges in health, development and environment. Letten Prize is awarded following a recommendation from an internationally composed committee of renowned experts. 

“This year, the prize recognizes an American researcher who embodies excellence  in interdisciplinary research. Professor Wood transcends traditional academic boundaries, inspiring and mobilizing others to apply innovative knowledge that is critical for humanity’s future,” says Marte Emilie Sandvik Haaland, chair of the selection committee, from the University of Bergen. 

The Letten prize 

The Letten Prize is awarded by the Young Academy of Norway and the Letten Foundation, established by Professor Letten F. Saugstad in 1986. The foundation has since funded research in Norway and abroad, aiming to highlight the efforts of outstanding young researchers who contribute to solving major global challenges. Letten Saugstad was a professor of biological psychology at NTNU in Trondheim. Her work is characterized by significant academic and thematic breadth, connecting disciplines in new and unexpected ways. The biennial prize aims to showcase young researchers´ solutions for a sustainable future, with a particular emphasis on interdisciplinary projects addressing major global challenges. The prize is intended as recognition for researchers under the age of 45. 

The Prize is at 2.5 Mill NOK – approximately 250.000 USD.

For more information and interview requests, please contact 

Prize winner Danielle Wood: 

email: drwood@media.mit.edu 

The Young Academy of Norway and Letten Foundation:Coordinator Birger Berge, 

email: contact@lettenprize.com, phone: +47 478 14 447 

Chair of the Letten prize committee Marte E. S. Haaland (University of Bergen): 

email: marte.haaland@uib.no, phone: +47 416 45 969