Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute has received a two-year, $1 million grant from the Prebys Foundation to support institute scientists at three critical career stages: entering graduate school, early-career, and mid-career.
“These are challenging and often difficult times for almost all scientists everywhere and for those who seek to become working scientists. Existing and traditional sources of support have been dramatically upended, sometimes eliminated, and many researchers are struggling to find a way forward,” said David Brenner, MD, president and CEO of Sanford Burnham Prebys.
“We are grateful to the Prebys Foundation for this generous support and for its partnership in advancing this important work. Supporting scientists today means investing in tomorrow’s discoveries. This grant will help ensure that talented researchers have the opportunity to pursue bold ideas, advance knowledge and ultimately improve human health.”
The gift funds two distinct initiatives:
- Over the two-year period, $600,000 will be dedicated to boosting retention efforts of early- and mid-career investigators at Sanford Burnham Prebys and to helping advance their research. The Foundation will award one-year grants of $100,000 to six principal investigators (three per year) to provide flexible support for their labs. Researchers may represent any of the institute’s disease-focused or technology centers. An internal committee will select recipients based on scientific merit, need, and alignment with Prebys Foundation funding goals.
- The remaining $400,000 will be dedicated over two years to direct program costs of the Lab Experience as Pathway (LEAP) program. Established in 2024 with Prebys Foundation funding, the LEAP program is a one-year, paid, mentored training and career development experience designed to provide motivated postbaccalaureate students with the lab experience they need to be competitive for and succeed in STEM PhD programs.
Each year at Sanford Burnham Prebys, a cohort of five to eight LEAP trainees each spends 40 hours per week immersed in hands-on biomedical research training in an institute lab overseen by a member of the Sanford Burnham Prebys faculty. They play an active role in advancing the lab’s research aims while honing foundational lab-based skills. They also receive professional development to build critical skills, such as scientific communication, networking, and navigating academic environments, and complete a capstone symposium to showcase their projects. Leadership and workforce development sessions led by the institute’s Office of Learning and Development give LEAP students tools to set goals and confidently approach the graduate school application and interview process.
“Programs like LEAP are critical to sustaining scientific success long-term,” said Emily Young. PhD, Prebys Foundation Vice President of Programs. “They identify and help prepare the next generation of researchers, and the Foundation is delighted to be part of the process.”
About Sanford Burnham Prebys
Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute is an independent not-for-profit biomedical research institute dedicated to understanding human biology and disease and advancing discoveries that profoundly impact human health. Today, our research spans six centers, including our NCI-designated Cancer Center, with expertise in cardiovascular, neurologic and metabolic diseases, data science and artificial intelligence and therapeutic discovery. For more information, visit sbpdiscovery.org.
About Prebys Foundation
Prebys Foundation is the largest independent private foundation in San Diego County, working to create an inclusive, equitable, and dynamic future for all San Diegans. The Foundation invests in arts and culture, medical research, health and well-being, and youth success, advancing shared opportunity and lasting impact across the region. Learn more at www.prebysfdn.org.