Microsoft has announced its 2025 Most Valuable Researchers (MVRs), recognizing 100 security researchers who made significant contributions to protecting the company’s customers through the Microsoft Security Response Center’s vulnerability disclosure program.
The annual recognition celebrates researchers who discovered and responsibly reported security vulnerabilities between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025.
The Microsoft Researcher Recognition Program operates on a points-based system, with researchers earning recognition based on the total number of points accumulated through valid vulnerability reports submitted under Coordinated Vulnerability Disclosure protocols.
This systematic approach ensures that both the quantity and quality of security research contributions are appropriately acknowledged.
Microsoft partners with thousands of security researchers throughout the year, making the selection of the top 100 contributors a competitive achievement.
The program specifically recognizes researchers who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to improving cybersecurity across Microsoft’s extensive product ecosystem.
Beyond the overall top 100 ranking, Microsoft has established specialized technical leaderboards that highlight researchers excelling in specific product areas.
These category-specific recognitions ensure that expertise across different technological domains receives appropriate acknowledgment.
In the Azure category, top honors went to Suresh Chelladurai, Adnan, and an anonymous researcher.
The Office product area recognized 0x140ce, Haifei Li, and a team consisting of Guang Gong, Li Shuang, and willJ. Windows security research was led by wkai, VictorV, and another anonymous contributor.
The Dynamics 365 and Power Platform category celebrated Dhiral Patel (@diralpatel94), Brad Schlintz (nmdhkr), and a collaborative effort by cjm00n with Kunlun Lab and Zhiniang Peng with HUST.
Microsoft has implemented a comprehensive badge system to recognize different types of research excellence.
The Accuracy badge honors researchers achieving 100% validity rates in their submissions, ensuring all reported vulnerabilities were legitimate security concerns.
The Impact badge recognizes high-quality work, awarded to researchers whose average points per valid vulnerability report reach or exceed the 90th percentile.
The Volume badge acknowledges sustained contribution, requiring at least five valid vulnerability reports.
The 2025 MVRs will receive tangible recognition for their contributions, including exclusive MSRC swag boxes and digital badges suitable for social media and professional portfolio display.
Microsoft will contact recognized researchers via msrcmvr@microsoft.com to facilitate the distribution of these rewards.
This recognition program represents Microsoft’s ongoing commitment to collaborative security research and responsible vulnerability disclosure.
By publicly acknowledging these contributions, Microsoft reinforces the value of the security research community in maintaining robust cybersecurity defenses for millions of users worldwide.
The company expressed enthusiasm for continued partnerships and future research contributions from the global security community.
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