Sanford Burnham Prebys

06/10/2026

What can we learn from people who live healthy, active lives well past 100?

Researchers, physicians and aging experts from Europe and the United States gathered at Sanford Burnham Prebys for the 11th annual Cilento Initiative on Aging Outcomes (CIAO) Research Symposium, sharing new discoveries and insights into human longevity and healthy aging.

The CIAO Study is an international effort to identify the biological, psychological and social factors that contribute to exceptional longevity. The research focuses on the Cilento region of southern Italy, home to hundreds of centenarians who continue to enjoy remarkably good health.

The symposium highlighted the value of global collaboration in advancing our understanding of aging and identifying the factors that help people live longer, healthier lives.

https://sbpdiscovery.org/press/ciao-study-11th-annual-longevity-symposium-provides-new-peeks-and-possibilities-at-longer-healthier-lives/

06/03/2026

🎓 Congratulations to the newest graduates of the Sanford Burnham Prebys Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences!

We're proud to celebrate this important milestone and to welcome these talented scientists to our alumni community.

Their years of hard work, curiosity and dedication have led to this moment, and we can't wait to see where their scientific journeys take them next.

Congratulations to Michaela Romero (Lynott), PhD ’25; Yu-Ling Linda Chang, PhD ’26; Cedomir Stamenkovic, PhD ’25; Sviatlana Zaretski, PhD ’25; Jiaqian (Emily) Wu, PhD ’25; Ximena Diaz-Olea, PhD ’25; Adarsh Rajesh, PhD ’25; Rema Iyer, PhD ’25; Utkarsha Paithane, PhD ’26; and Rus Nuryyev, PhD ’26.

The Institute’s Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences held its third Commencement ceremony to celebrate new alumni.

06/02/2026

Fifty years of discovery. Fifty stories to tell.

Since 1976, Sanford Burnham Prebys scientists have pushed the boundaries of biomedical research. To celebrate our 50th anniversary, we're launching 50 for 50 — a curated look at 50 discoveries that shaped our first 50 years.

Some transformed entire fields. Others quietly laid the groundwork for breakthroughs that came later.

Together, they're a portrait of five decades of curiosity and scientific impact.
Follow along as we share the stories.
sbpdiscovery50.org/50for50

05/15/2026

Congratulations to Assistant Professor Eric Wang, PhD, on being named Educator of the Year at the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences’ retreat.

The Crystal Apple Award, presented by Alessandra Sacco, PhD, dean of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, and Andrei Osterman, PhD, vice dean and associate dean of curriculum, recognizes outstanding contributions to graduate education, mentorship and support for the graduate school community.

Wang has quickly become a valued mentor and educator at the Institute. In addition to mentoring a graduate student in his laboratory, he serves on five graduate school thesis committees, is a member of the Graduate School Admissions Committee and is chair of the Institute’s Education and Training Committee. He also serves as course director for Modern Drug Discovery Technologies, helping train the next generation of biomedical scientists in approaches that bridge chemistry, biology and translational research.
https://sbpdiscovery.org/eric-wang-named-educator-of-the-year-by-sanford-burnham-prebys-graduate-school-of-biomedical-sciences/

05/07/2026

Visionary innovator, Qualcomm co-founder and philanthropist Andrew Viterbi has made a $5 million gift to establish the Andrew and Erna Viterbi Distinguished Chair in our Center for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence.

This investment reflects a powerful belief in the role of artificial intelligence and data science in accelerating biomedical discovery.

The inaugural chair will be held by Yuk-Lap (Kevin) Yip, PhD, whose work in computational biology and machine learning is helping to transform how we study disease.

We are deeply grateful to Dr. Viterbi for his confidence in our mission and for investing in the future of interdisciplinary science.
Read more about this philanthropic gift: https://sbpdiscovery.org/press/qualcomm-co-founder-andrew-viterbi-gives-5-million-to-sanford-burnham-prebys-medical-discovery-institute-to-advance-ai-powered-research/

04/22/2026

We’re pleased to welcome Sheri L. Jamieson and Neil Davis Wachsberger to the Sanford Burnham Prebys Board of Directors.

Sheri and Neil bring distinct perspectives shaped by leadership in philanthropy, community impact, and healthcare. Their experience will help guide the Institute as we continue advancing discovery.

As we celebrate 50 years, we look forward to their contributions in the years ahead.
https://sbpdiscovery.org/press/sanford-burnham-prebys-welcomes-two-new-members-to-its-board-of-directors/

04/19/2026

DO YOU KNOW a college senior or recent grad who’s thinking about a STEM PhD?

Please share: the LEAP to Grad School program at Sanford Burnham Prebys is a one-year, mentored experience designed to build lab skills and prepare for the next step.

✔ Hands-on lab experience
✔ 1:1 mentorship from leading scientists
✔ Competitive stipend and benefits

📅 Apply by April 30 📅

The Lab Experience As Pathway to Graduate School is a one-year mentored training and career development experience designed to prepare recent college graduates to succeed in STEM PhD programs.

04/08/2026

This week is Graduate Student Appreciation Week (April 6–10), and we’re celebrating the incredible students in the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Sanford Burnham Prebys.

Our graduate students are advancing research in the lab while also serving as leaders and mentors within the scientific community.

We’re excited for the discoveries ahead and the impact they will have on science and human health.

https://sbpdiscovery.org/education/graduate-school/

03/08/2026

Postdocs play a critical role in biomedical research, bringing fresh ideas, new perspectives and energy to the lab every day. We’re grateful for the contributions these scientists make to advancing discovery and improving human health.

Today we’re highlighting several women scientists featured in Sanford Burnham Prebys’ Postdoc Profile series.

Explore the series:
https://sbpdiscovery.org/education/postdoctoral-training/postdoc-profiles/

In recognition of International Women’s Day, we’re proud to celebrate the many women across our community who help advance science every day, from postdocs and research staff to technicians and administrators.
Featuring L to R: Dana Mamriev • Huijie Huang • Arailym Sarsembayeva • Kelly Yichen Li • Alexandra Houser • Meenakshi Sudhakaran

03/02/2026

Thank you to The San Diego Union-Tribune for helping share the story of Sanford Burnham Prebys as we mark 50 years of biomedical discovery and impact.
For five decades, our mission has remained clear: translating science into health.

The La Jolla-based research institute continues its founding principle of collaboration across multiple fields