LLUH celebrates 120 years of research legacy

Loma Linda University Health (LLUH) welcomed more than 100 supporters, researchers, community leaders, and healthcare professionals on August 30 for the inaugural Time of Discovery, a research-focused event celebrating 120 years of advancing health through research.

The event, held at the Wong Kerlee International Conference Center, honored the groundbreaking discoveries, transformative innovations, and dedicated researchers whose work continues to improve lives. Guests gathered to reflect on Loma Linda University Health's longstanding commitment to scientific excellence while looking ahead to the future of research, innovation, and compassionate patient care.

Travis Losey, MD, vice president for Research Affairs for LLUH, said the event was designed to connect the community with the people and discoveries shaping the future of research.

"Time of Discovery celebrates the remarkable work of our researchers while creating opportunities for our community to see firsthand how scientific discovery translates into better health and better care," Losey said. "For 120 years, research has been central to our mission, and the innovations taking place today are helping build a healthier future for generations to come."

The event featured remarks from former LLUH president Richard Hart, MD, DrPH, and current president Anthony Hilliard, MD, who highlighted the vital role research has played throughout the institution's history and its importance in shaping the future of healthcare.

The institution also recognized William Hayes, PhD, as LLUH's Researcher of the Year for his work studying venomous and endangered species, highlighting the diverse scope of scientific inquiry across the institution.

For 120 years, research has been central to our mission, and the innovations taking place today are helping build a healthier future for generations to come. - Travis Losey, MD

Attendees also heard presentations from leading investigators whose work reflects the breadth and impact of research across Loma Linda University Health. Cameron Neece, PhD, MA, a professor of psychology, discussed how supporting parents can improve outcomes for children with autism and other developmental disabilities. A video presentation from Joan Sabaté, MD, DrPH, a professor of nutrition and epidemiology, explored the health benefits of nuts and demonstrated how nutrition research can positively influence both public health and agriculture. Hisham Abdel-Azim, MD, chief of Transplant/Cellular Therapy, highlighted advances in CAR T-cell therapy and its promise for treating pediatric cancers, while Sonnet Jonker, PhD, a professor of physiology, shared insights into fetal development and the research helping scientists better understand lifelong health beginning before birth.

In addition to hearing directly from researchers, guests were invited to participate in immersive laboratory tours that provided a firsthand look at the innovative work taking place behind the scenes. At the Biospecimen Laboratory, Abdel-Azim showcased how biospecimens are collected, preserved, and utilized to support groundbreaking discoveries, improve treatments, and advance scientific innovation. Guests also toured the Perinatal Biology Research Laboratory at the Lawrence D. Longo Center for Perinatal Biology, where Jonker and her team demonstrated how researchers are advancing understanding of pregnancy, fetal development, and long-term health through interactive learning stations and laboratory demonstrations.

As Loma Linda University Health commemorates 120 years of advancing health through science and innovation, the event served as both a tribute to past achievements and a vision for the future of medicine.

Those interested in supporting research innovation at LLUH can learn more or make a gift at lluh.org/giving/areas-support/research.