University of Wisconsin–Madison faculty recognized Wisconsin Energy Institute affiliate Brian Fox for his contributions to teaching, research and service.
Fox, the Marvin J. Johnson Professor in Fermentation Biochemistry and chair of the biochemistry department, was among four faculty selected by their peers as winners of the 2025 Hilldale Award.
A co-investigator in the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, Fox studies enzymes. His research on the complex chemical reactions controlling life-building proteins has served as the bedrock for thousands of further studies by scientists worldwide.

The award commitment to mentorship and instruction prepares students to conduct their own research and translate it to real-world treatments. As department chair, he built a renowned research program, recruited diverse faculty and established three national state-of-the-art research centers on campus.
The Hilldale Awards are given each year to faculty members representing arts and humanities, biological sciences, physical sciences, and social sciences. Winners will be recognized at the April 7 meeting of the Faculty Senate.
This is the second straight year that a WEI member has received a Hilldale Award. Investigator Robert Landick was among the 2024 winners.