Dear Friends of Salk,
As we mark the close of summer, I want to take a moment to reflect on what keeps Salk strong and steadfast amid an ever-changing scientific and funding landscape: our unwavering commitment to fundamental discovery.
At Salk, we live and breathe research. Everyone here, including faculty, student and postdoctoral researchers, research staff, and facilities and administrative personnel, shares a singular mission to advance knowledge that will benefit humanity. That dedication is what gives our work meaning and impact.
This issue of Inside Salk explores one such scientific frontier—the biology behind the GLP-1-based drugs that have transformed the way we treat obesity, diabetes, and other metabolic conditions.. These breakthroughs didn’t arise from thin air. They emerged from years of basic research into how cells use energy and how hormones signal in the body and brain. At Salk, our scientists are now uncovering how to make these medications more precise and more powerful with fewer unwanted side effects, pointing the way to next-generation therapies.
We’re also proud to highlight members of our community who embody Salk’s spirit of innovation and creativity. Professor Nicola Allen’s pioneering work on brain cell communication is providing a new understanding of brain aging and repair, particularly in Alzheimer’s disease.
Our new vice president of External Relations, Michelle Chamberlain, is strengthening ties with those who believe in the promise of basic science and launching the Discovery Society to welcome new supporters to our mission. Postdoctoral researcher Joseph Swift represents the bright future of science, bringing creativity and enthusiasm to the bench every day.
Thanks to steadfast philanthropic support and a robust scientific vision, we’ve entered the new fiscal year on solid ground. Your commitment helps us stay on mission—science that is not for profit, but for the benefit of society. We are deeply grateful for your support.
Warmest regards,
Gerald Joyce
Salk Institute President
