Events

Salkexcellerators are community members in San Diego and New York City who share a commitment to supporting scientific discovery at Salk. On February 6, the group came together for an evening with Professor Samuel Pfaff and Associate Professor Nicola Allen to discuss the fundamentals of neuroscience and the pathways that promote disease–key areas in Salk’s efforts to innovate new therapies for a number of illnesses, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.

On Saturday, February 23, high school students and their teachers from throughout San Diego converged on Salk to learn alongside Salk’s world-class faculty. This half-day annual event sparks high school students’ interest in careers in science and research. Attendees spoke with researchers, took lab tours and enjoyed a keynote presentation. The Anne and Neal Blue High School Science Fund generously supports this popular program.

On December 4, Salk’s President’s Club members enjoyed a private lunch with Professor Alan Saghatelian, whose research touches on virtually all areas of human biology. Specifically, he seeks to improve human health by focusing on bioactive metabolites and peptides to identify potential therapeutic opportunities. The President’s Club is open to donors who annually contribute $2,500 or more to Salk’s scientific research.

On November 15, 2018, more than 80 people, including faculty, donors and Board members, celebrated the 45th anniversary of the Salk Cancer Center, one of only seven National Cancer Institute-designated cancer centers in the country. The event also fêted Salk Professor Clodagh O’Shea, who was named the inaugural holder of the Wicklow Chair. In addition to remarks from O’Shea and Cancer Center Director Reuben Shaw, previous directors Walter Eckhart and Tony Hunter were honored for their service to Salk, while comedian Tim Lee provided the evening’s entertainment.

Donors to the Salk Women & Science program attended an event on December 11, 2018, honoring their generosity and partnership in supporting Salk’s women of science. President Rusty Gage provided introductory remarks before the 2018 awardees showcased their research projects. Assistant Professor Diana Hargreaves emceed the event. In total, 19 awards were given out in 2018, thanks to those who donated to the Salk Women & Science program. Tina Simner made a generous leadership gift that launched the 2018 fundraising effort, alongside honorary chair Linda Chester.

The Salk Science & Music Series continued with two more events from the current season’s exciting lineup. On December 9, 2018, guests were treated to the beautiful sounds of pianist Alessio Bax and to a scientific talk on genetics by Assistant Professor Graham McVicker. Attendees were also able to fall in love with the music of cellist Amit Peled and pianist Karen Joy Davis on February 24, 2019–albeit a little late for Valentine’s Day. Professor Jan Karlseder discussed the science of telomeres at the performance.