Big Data. Bigger Opportunities.

New and rapidly developing technologies, such as cryo-electron (cryo-EM) and artificial intelligence, are providing the tools to revolutionize biomedical research, but you need scientists who know how to use them.

Earlier this year, Sanford Burnham Prebys launched a singular program to address this new reality, deploying a $70 million gift from philanthropist T. Denny Sanford to recruit a cadre of early-career scientists in the fields of cancer, neurodegeneration and aging, cardiovascular disease and computational biology.

The recruitment effort has already achieved notable results, with the hiring of six highly regarded early-career scientists.

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Scientists unite to get to the heart of AFib

Researchers are paving the way to identifying gene networks that cause atrial fibrillation (AFib), the most common age-related cardiac arrhythmia.

“One of the biggest challenges to solving the AFib genetic puzzle has been the lack of experimental models that are relevant to humans,” says Alex Colas, Ph.D., who led the study with Karen Ocorr, Ph.D.

“By working with colleagues who focus on AFib but in different systems, we have created a robust multiplatform model that can accurately pinpoint genes associated with this potentially life-threatening condition.” 

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Svasti Haricharan, Ph.D., awarded $2.7 million to advance breast cancer research

The NIH grant provides funding to learn how the variegated nature of human breast cancer tumors helps cancer cells resist treatment.

"We will investigate how malignant cells with different kinds of mutations and genetics in estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer are able to communicate with each other in the same tumor," says Haricharan. "Such diversity, or heterogeneity, boosts their ability to resist treatment."

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Sanford Burnham Prebys Cancer Center earns merit extension from NCI

The rare and prestigious Merit Extension Award recognizes and rewards earlier accomplishments as well as current research plans.

“We pride ourselves on performing impactful research that addresses unmet clinical needs relevant to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer,” says Cancer Center director Ze’ev Ronai, Ph.D. “Receiving this merit extension is a prestigious honor, and we appreciate that the NCI recognizes the progress we’ve made and shares our unique plans for the future.”

The merit extension provides the Cancer Center with additional time and resources to pursue longer-term projects and implement an ambitious strategic plan that focuses on the establishment of a unique continuum from basic discovery to drug development, the recruitment of top talent and innovative DEI initiatives.

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SPARK interns ignite their passion for research at Sanford Burnham Prebys

The initiative by the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) provides research opportunities for high schoolers from underrepresented groups throughout California. 

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Preuss internship celebrates 15 years of inspiring young scientists

Each year, Sanford Burnham Prebys welcomes a cohort of high school interns from the Preuss School, whose students strive to be the first in their families to graduate from college.

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Fishman Fund Ceremony and Reception

September 20, 5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

The Fishman Fund Awards are given to exceptional postdoctoral scholars to support their research and help them develop into scientific leaders. Join us as we present our awards to this year's remarkable recipients.

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Cancer Center Open House: Breast Cancer

Meet the scientists working to stop breast cancer. Learn about recent exciting discoveries and how new drugs are created and advanced to the clinic.

This is a unique opportunity to:

• Meet and share experiences with other people affected by cancer.
• Learn about some of the most promising approaches for new treatments.
• Talk directly with survivors and clinicians.

Learn more and Register >>

Special Gala

October 21, 6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

Join honorary co-chairs Roberta and Malin Burnham for Sanford Burnham Prebys' 2023 Gala Celebrating a Future Filled with Discoveries and Cures, honoring T. Denny Sanford.

Learn more and RSVP >>



You believe in discovery– and progress

...and you make it happen!

Over the past month I’ve had the absolute pleasure of talking with many of our brilliant scientists who strive every day to change the world with their discoveries. 

I’m especially excited that we have welcomed six brand-new recruits to our world-class faculty. The first to arrive is Sanju Sinh, Ph.D., who I hope you will meet one day. He came here from the NCI and is incredibly well-trained in machine learning and artificial intelligence, the future of research. Sanju could have gone anywhere, but he chose Sanford Burnham Prebys because he knew coming here would help him get to breakthroughs faster.

Sanju told me that his dream is to one day meet a patient whose life was changed or saved by his work.

I have no doubt that will happen.

It’s friends of our Institute like you who make Sanju’s work possible – in fact you help make every single thing we do possible. 

Every time I have the joy of talking to one of our fabulous researchers, I send grateful thoughts to supporters like you who stand behind every discovery and advance we make.

Thank you for being a hero!

Christine Sanchez Dittmer

Chief Development Officer

p.s. if you have any questions about your giving to Sanford Burnham Prebys, or would like to talk about supporting the work of one of our researchers like Sanju, please call me anytime at: (714) 244-6250