ASU President Crow, 'NeoBio' honored at international celebration of innovation
ASU President Michael Crow speaks at the 2025 Edison Awards Gala held in Fort Myers, Florida, on April 3. Photo courtesy of the Edison Awards
ASU President Michael Crow and NeoBio, the university’s groundbreaking effort to revolutionize biology education, were among the big winners at the Edison Awards, a global celebration of game-changing innovation and leadership.
Both were spotlighted for ingenuity and the drive to create solutions that make the world more productive, sustainable and livable for all.
"It is always inspiring to be surrounded by such brilliant minds, each of whom is redefining what's possible in their field,” said Frank Bonafilia, executive director of the Edison Awards. “Their work isn't just innovative — it's shaping the future."
Crow was one of two winners of the 2025 Edison Achievement Awards. Celebrated for his trailblazing leadership in education, research and technology-driven innovation, Crow has redefined the modern university model, bringing academia to the masses and tackling global challenges, Bonafilia said.
“It is unbelievably important that we drive every innovation imaginable to enhance the human experience, to enhance human outcomes, to help each other. Innovation is the way in which we evolve,” Crow said, adding that to be honored with an award named for Thomas Edison is special.
“To be recognized as an innovator from the namesake of a world-class, unbelievable innovator is highly humbling,” he said.
NeoBio was honored for innovation in education and learning as “one of the world’s greatest biology courses.”
NeoBio ditched the traditional wet labs (no more smelly, dissected frogs) and incorporated virtual reality with Hollywood storytelling that whisks students off to an intergalactic wildlife sanctuary as part of their studies.
The transformational new approach to biology is designed to help learners break through the barriers that have traditionally prevented success in the sciences, proving that with the right level of support, personalization and tools, anyone can succeed in STEM courses.
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A large-scale study has revealed that Dreamscape Learn, the virtual reality learning component of NeoBio, improves student outcomes, engagement in science and the retention of STEM majors.
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