Madison Reporter

Two researchers from the University of Wisconsin–Madison have been named Sloan Research Fellows, joining a group of 126 scientists from the United States and Canada recognized for their exceptional work. The Sloan Fellowships, awarded since 1955, celebrate scientists whose creativity and research achievements mark them as future leaders in their fields.

The 2025 Sloan Fellows from UW–Madison are James Roberts Crall, an assistant professor of entomology, and Sharon Yixuan Li, an assistant professor of computer sciences. Crall's research focuses on bees, exploring their role as pollinators in food systems and plant communities. His lab uses computational tools to analyze social behavior and interactions among animals.

Li's work centers on the theoretical foundations of safe artificial intelligence. Her lab examines large language models to understand their functionality and limitations, aiming to align AI tools effectively with human needs.

Adam F. Falk, president of the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, remarked on the fellows: “The Sloan Research Fellows represent the very best of early-career science, embodying the creativity, ambition and rigor that drive discovery forward. These extraordinary scholars are already making significant contributions, and we are confident they will shape the future of their fields in remarkable ways.”

The Sloan Foundation was established in 1934 with a mission to advance scientific knowledge for societal welfare. The fellowship program selects recipients across seven fields: chemistry, computer science, Earth system science, economics, mathematics, neuroscience and physics. For 2025, more than 1,000 nominees were considered from 51 institutions.

Recipients receive a two-year fellowship valued at $75,000 to support their research endeavors flexibly. Since its inception, the program has recognized 120 scientists from UW–Madison alone. Among previous recipients globally are notable figures who have earned prestigious awards such as Nobel Prizes and National Medals of Science.