Pennington Biomedical Research Foundation Monthly Newsletter

January 9, 2026

2025 was a Year of Success for Pennington Biomedical, filled with Scientific Discoveries, Impactful New Collaborations and Strategic New Hires 

Pennington Biomedical is closing out 2025 as one of the most impactful years in its nearly 40-year history, marked by major scientific, clinical and community advances. From its Baton Rouge campus, the Center continued to expand its leadership in obesity, metabolic health and nutrition, delivering cutting-edge research while strengthening its influence across Louisiana, the nation and the world. Despite a challenging federal funding environment, researchers secured 50 new awards in 2025, including several multimillion-dollar studies, with active federal funding exceeding $55 million by year’s end.

The Center’s scientific impact reached a global stage through landmark publications and high-profile collaborations. Pennington Biomedical faculty played a key role in the Lancet Commission on obesity, which introduced new diagnostic categories that are reshaping how obesity is defined and treated worldwide. Additional studies were published in top-tier journals such as Nature Medicine, Cell Metabolism and the Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology. Faculty achievements were further recognized through major honors, including multiple researchers named among the world’s most highly cited scientists, prestigious national awards and LSU’s highest faculty designation. The Center also welcomed new faculty and completed 38 research hires across basic, clinical and population science divisions.

Beyond the lab, Pennington Biomedical strengthened its commitment to training, clinical care and community engagement. Major funding renewals, including COBRE and ECHO, supported long-term research infrastructure and child health initiatives. New clinical programs, expanded education and training for postdoctoral researchers and record attendance at community health events underscored the Center’s impact. The year reflected the strength of the Center’s people and mission, positioning Pennington Biomedical to enter 2026 with momentum, resilience and optimism.

December Scientific Dinner Recap

On Wednesday, December 10, our community gathered at the Pennington Biomedical Conference Center to enjoy an engaging presentation focused on brain health and aging, featuring insights tied to the groundbreaking work of Dr. Jeffrey Keller, Director of the Institute for Dementia Research & Prevention at Pennington Biomedical. Dr. Keller’s research explores how the brain ages, how lifestyle and metabolism intersect with cognitive health, and how new technologies like web-LABrainS 2.0 are expanding our understanding of brain health in real time.

Attendees enjoyed:

• Thought-provoking scientific dialogue
• Stories about how research is shaping the future of dementia prevention
• An opportunity to connect directly with scientists and fellow supporters of health-focused research.

Leadership Update from the Pennington Biomedical Research Center

We are pleased to share an important leadership update with our community of supporters and friends.

After eight years of dedicated service, Dr. John Kirwan concluded his tenure as Executive Director of Pennington Biomedical at the end of 2025. During his leadership, Pennington Biomedical strengthened its national and international reputation and advanced impactful research in metabolic health, nutrition, obesity, and diabetes. His vision, integrity, and collaborative approach have positioned the organization for continued growth and success.

We are grateful that Dr. Kirwan will remain actively engaged as Principal Investigator for the renewal of the U54 grant supporting the LA CaTS Center, further strengthening collaborative research across Louisiana and beyond.

Looking ahead, Pennington Biomedical will launch an international search in early 2026 for its next Executive Director. The goal is to appoint a new leader by summer 2026—someone who will build on the organization’s strong momentum and guide its next chapter of innovation and impact.

During this transition, we are pleased to announce that Dr. Jennifer Rood will serve as Interim Executive Director. With more than 30 years of service, Dr. Rood brings deep institutional knowledge, scientific expertise, and trusted leadership. Her long-standing commitment to collaboration and research excellence makes her exceptionally well-suited to guide Pennington Biomedical during this important period.

Together, Pennington Biomedical and the Foundation remain fully committed to advancing our mission and supporting the outstanding work of our faculty, staff, and researchers. With the continued partnership of our donors and friends, we are confident in the opportunities ahead to expand our impact, accelerate discovery, and improve health for generations to come.

Thank you for your continued support and belief in the future of Pennington Biomedical.

Annual Scientific Symposium Welcomes Researchers from Across the Country

From Dec. 7 through 9, Pennington Biomedical hosted its annual Scientific Symposium at the Lod Cook Conference Center on the LSU Campus, welcoming renowned researchers from across the country to discuss the latest in brain-body communication and metabolic disease. Co-chaired by Pennington Biomedical’s Dr. Heike Muenzberg-Gruening and Dr. Brad Lowell of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center & Harvard Medical School, the symposium featured a wide array of presenters and topics, all addressing unique and pertinent aspects of brain-body communication, from selectively encoding intestinal proteins to how neurons distinguish oral sugars from artificial sweeteners.

A key feature of this year’s Scientific Symposium was the presentation of Dr. Hans-Rudi Berthoud, whose primary research into the neurobiology of nutrition and metabolism helped to illuminate many of the presentations. His own presentation – "Principles and Pathways of Gut-Brain Crosstalk in the Control of Ingestive Behavior and Regulation of Metabolism and Bodyweight" – not only kicked off the symposium, but also set the pace and subject matter for the event. His extensive career has no doubt served as an inspiration, for the researchers at Pennington Biomedical and for all the researchers at the symposium who are now dedicating their efforts in tandem with his work. 

As in past years, this Scientific Symposium was a tremendous success, thanks in large part to the Pennington Biomedical Scientific Education team, and researchers who contributed their knowledge and insights, such as Dr. Muenzberg-Gruening, Dr. Christopher Morrison, Dr. Yanlin He and Dr. David McDougal.

We’re excited to announce another year of Small Shifts — Pennington Biomedical’s wellness campaign that encourages us all to make small, meaningful changes for better health.

Each month, we’ll focus on a new theme inspired by research from our own scientists — from movement and nutrition to stress management and sleep. These small shifts can add up to big benefits over time.

To kick off the new year, January’s focus is on setting one small goal — something simple, specific, and achievable that supports your health and well-being. Maybe it’s taking the stairs more often, adding one extra serving of vegetables a day, or setting aside five minutes for mindfulness. Whatever your goal, small changes can lead to lasting results.

Stay tuned for monthly tips, challenges, and stories from our Pennington Biomedical community as we continue to build a culture of wellness, one small shift at a time.

Let’s make this another great year of moving, eating, and living well — together!

A research revolution is fueling innovation and talent (Business Report): Pennington Biomedical Research Center conducts basic, clinical and population-based studies to translate scientific discoveries into real-world solutions. Current research focuses on the root causes of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes and dementia. LSU frequently collaborates with Pennington in researching healthy aging, specific chronic diseases and public health issues.

70 for 70: Paula Pennington de la Bretonne continues family legacy of better health in Baton Rouge (WBRZ): Paula Pennington de la Bretonne is continuing her grandparents' legacy of bettering health in Baton Rouge through the Pennington Biomedical Research Center. Her grandparents, Doc and Irene Pennington, opened the facility in 1988. Over the years, WBRZ has reported on Pennington’s many studies, screenings, and symposiums dealing with everything from obesity and diabetes to dementia and nutrition. Paula has carried on their passion and has even been responsible for bringing major performers to Baton Rouge to showcase Pennington.

Do You Have “The Answer?” Find Out at Pennington Biomedical Research Foundation’s Premier Gala (Patch): “We are excited to announce ‘The Answer’ for 2026, and on behalf of all of us at the Pennington Biomedical Research Foundation, I’m proud invite our friends, neighbors and the whole community to join us,” said Janet Olson, Interim President and CEO of the Foundation. “Since our first ‘Answer’ in 2016, we have seen the power of the community to drive and sustain the discoveries and innovations taking place at Pennington Biomedical. Every dollar and donor supports new discoveries and fosters a healthier community and world.”

'Small Shifts’ campaign at Pennington emphasizes manageable ways to get healthy (WAFB): The “Small Shifts” campaign at LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Center is encouraging the public to take manageable steps to get healthier. The initiative was designed to show that making even small changes to routines can have large benefits over time