Texas Children’s Researcher Recognized with International Honor for Groundbreaking Rare Disease Discovery

HOUSTON (January 29, 2026) – Dr. Shinya Yamamoto, a researcher at Texas Children’s Duncan Neurological Research Institute (NRI) and Associate Professor in the Departments of Molecular & Human Genetics and Neuroscience at Baylor College of Medicine, has been named a 2025 NISTEP Selection, a prestigious international honor awarded by Japan’s National Institute of Science and Technology Policy (NISTEP).

Dr. Yamamoto is the only U.S.-based researcher selected in the 2025 cohort. Since its launch in 2005, the program has highlighted scientists whose discoveries are shaping new directions in research and accelerating real-world applications, with past honorees including Nobel Prize winners.

The annual NISTEP Selection honors 10 researchers for innovative and influential work shaping the future of science and medicine. Chosen by experts from over 1,600 leaders across academia, industry, and research, selections are based on recent achievements, originality, and global impact.

“Shinya’s journey with rare diseases has started over 15 years ago when he did a brilliant genetic screen to identify genes driving neurodegeneration. From that discovery he showed that conservation between those genes and the many human disease genes,” said Dr. Huda Y. Zoghbi, founding director of the Duncan NRI at Texas Children’s. “This work inspired the larger approach of modeling human mutations seen in rare cases in the fruit fly and has helped us bring answers to children suffering from over 70 previously unknown disorders.  Solving a disease and modeling it in fruit fly has become the first step towards understanding it and exploring potential ways to treat children.  I could not be prouder and more appreciative of him and his abilities, and this award is an acknowledgement of not only all that he has achieved but all that he will achieve going forward.”

Dr. Yamamoto earned recognition for investigating rare genetic diseases through research on fruit flies. Although there are differences, these insects share a significant number of genes with humans. His team creates fly models that mimic human genetic mutations, helping uncover which gene variants can lead to disease. 

“It is a profound honor to receive this prestigious award through the support of fellow scientists in Japan,” Dr. Yamamoto said. “I hope this recognition helps the broader public appreciate how research using fruit flies can meaningfully advance healthcare, and that it further raises awareness of the importance of rare and undiagnosed diseases.”

Dr. Yamamoto has discovered new genetic disorders and fostered collaboration between researchers and clinicians, helping treat rare and common diseases such as autism and neurodegenerative disorders. He leads global initiatives in screening and education, linking institutions worldwide. His selection by NISTEP reflects the scientific excellence and international influence of his work.

About Texas Children’s 
Texas Children's, a nonprofit health care organization, is committed to creating a healthier future for children and women throughout the global community by leading in patient care, education and research. Consistently ranked as the best children's hospital in Texas and among the top in the nation, Texas Children's has garnered widespread recognition for its expertise and breakthroughs in pediatric and women's health. The system includes the Texas Children's Duncan NRI; the Feigin Tower for pediatric research; Texas Children's Pavilion for Women, a comprehensive obstetrics/gynecology facility focusing on high-risk births; Texas Children's Hospital West Campus, a community hospital in suburban West Houston; Texas Children's Hospital The Woodlands, the first hospital devoted to children's care for communities north of Houston and Texas Children's Hospital North Austin, the new state-of-the-art facility providing world-class pediatric and maternal care to Austin families. The organization also created Texas Children's Health Plan, the nation's first HMO focused on children; Texas Children's Pediatrics, the largest pediatric primary care network in the country; Texas Children's Urgent Care clinics that specialize in after-hours care tailored specifically for children; and a global health program that is channeling care to children and women all over the world. Texas Children's Hospital is affiliated with Baylor College of Medicine. For more information, visit www.texaschildrens.org.