Events
For 50 years, Sanford Burnham Prebys has advanced discovery through curiosity, collaboration, and commitment. As we look ahead, there are many ways to be part of what comes next.
Our events bring together leading scientists, supporters, and curious minds to explore the ideas shaping the future of biomedical research. From big-picture conversations to deep scientific dives, each program offers a chance to engage with discovery as it happens, and to better understand how today’s breakthroughs are transforming human health.
Scientific Summit
March 4, 2026
The Scientific Summit featured a panel of Institute scientists discussing advances in research on diseases including cancer, Alzheimer’s, aging and heart disease. The discussion was moderated by Donald Kearns, MD.
0:00: Intro 50th anniversary video
- 2:28: David A. Brenner, MD
President and CEO
Donald Bren Chief Executive Chair - 5:06: Caroline Kumsta, PhD
Assistant Professor - 12:15: Sanjeev S. Ranade, PhD
Assistant Professor - 17:55: Anne Bang, PhD
Associate Professor - 24:21: Paul Boutros, PhD, MBA
Director, NCI-designated Cancer Center - 31:13: Panel Panel discussion with the speakers led by Donald Kearns, MD, chair of the Sanford Burnham Prebys Board of Trustees
Discovery Series: Inside the Science of Heart Disease
April 15, 2026
The Discovery Series offers an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at cardiovascular research at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute. This presentation features scientists at the forefront of heart disease research, sharing how their discoveries are being translated into potential new therapies.
0:00: Intro 50th anniversary video
Speakers
- 2:23: Welcome
David A. Brenner, MD
President and CEO, Donald Bren Chief Executive Chair
Sanford Burnham Prebys - 6:12: Creating a New Gene Therapy to Treat Heart Failure
Alexandre Colas, PhD
Associate Professor
Sanford Burnham Prebys - 11:54: Born with a Broken Heart: Childhood Heart Defects and Lifespan Consequences
Sanjeev S. Ranade, PhD
Assistant Professor
Sanford Burnham Prebys - 21:05: Aging, Left Sided Valve Disease and Interventional Therapies
Ehtisham Mahmud, MD, FACC, FSCAI
Professor and Division Chief, Cardiovascular Medicine
UC San Diego Health
35:42: Panel Panel discussion with the speakers led by Kurt Marek, PhD, Chief Research Development Officer, Sanford Burnham Prebys
Discovery Series: Inside the Science of Rare Diseases
August 13, 2026
Our Discovery Series program offers a behind-the-scenes look at rare disease research at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute.
This presentation explored how research into rare conditions is essential to informing and advancing treatments for more common diseases. Attendees gained a greater appreciation of rare disease research and a deeper understanding of the groundbreaking work being done by our scientists and clinical partners.
0:00: Intro 50th anniversary video
Speakers
- 2:21: Welcome
David A. Brenner, MD
President and CEO, Donald Bren Chief Executive Chair
Sanford Burnham Prebys - 4:10: Rady Children’s Precision Medicine Program in Collaboration with Sanford Burnham Prebys
Kristen Wigby MD, FACMG
Associate Medical Director
Rady Children’s Institute for Genomic Medicine
Associate Professor of Pediatrics
UC San Diego - 18:16: Patient Stem Cell Approaches to Rare Disease
Su-Chun Zhang, PhD
Director and Professor
Center for Neurologic Diseases
Jeanne and Gary Herberger Leadership Chair in Neuroscience
Sanford Burnham Prebys - 33:14: Linking Basic Science and Clinical Medicine
Hudson Freeze, PhD
Director and Professor
Sanford Children’s Health Research Center
William W. Ruch Distinguished Endowed Chair
Sanford Burnham Prebys
54:12: Panel Panel discussion with the speakers led by Kurt Marek, PhD, Chief Research Development Officer, Sanford Burnham Prebys
Igniting The Future Of Discovery
October 3, 2026
Fairmont Grand Del Mar | 5:30 p.m.
Together, we’ll celebrate five decades of incredible achievements and the visionary thinkers and partners who got us here. Our science is fueled by a passion to transform lives. Come help us celebrate those who dedicate their brilliance, heart and vision to making it possible. Benefactor and underwriting opportunities are available for those who wish to play a more significant role in supporting the event. Your generosity helps bring this evening to life while advancing the discoveries that improve human health.
Gala Co-Chairs
- Katherine Chapin
- Debbie Turner
Honorary Chairs
- Phyllis and Dan Epstein
- Melanie and Bill Roper
- Karen and Jeff Silberman
- Karen and Stuart Tanz
- Muffy Walker and John Reed
Honorary Committee
Susan and Jim Blair | Tatiana Kisseleva and David Brenner | Roberta and Malin Burnham | Katherine and Dane Chapin | Bill Gerhart and Melissa Seipel-Gerhart | Hanna and Mark Gleiberman | Lee Goldberg | Jeanne L. Herberger | Reena and Sam Horowitz | Debby and Hal Jacobs | Sheri Jamieson | Lori Moore | Josie and James Myers | Robin and Hank Nordhoff | Jeanne and Ted Roth | Lonna Williams Stolper | Debbie Turner | Neil Wachsberger | Steve Williams and Lorenzo Berho | Emma Zuckerman
Sponsors & Underwriters
- Aspiriant
- Una Davis
- Patti and Dave Down
- KPMG LLP
- UC San Diego Foundation
Board of Trustees
