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UC San Diego's School of Biological Sciences Newsletter
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Since it was first unveiled to the world in 2012, CRISPR gene editing has revolutionized science and opened a new world of possibilities for discoveries in health, biomedicine, technology, agriculture and the environment. Join Jennifer Doudna, the pioneering co-discoverer of CRISPR-Cas9 and 2020 Nobel Prize winner, in a Deep Look “seaside chat” with UC San Diego School of Biological Sciences Dean Kit Pogliano on the future of gene editing and a reimagining of research, discovery and public impact. From aging to agriculture, new therapeutics to climate resilience, join our exploration of the next frontiers of genome innovation. Register here. Also, learn about UC San Diego's new BioSci-led partnership with Jennifer Doudna's Innovative Genomics Institute. The partnership is designed to address global problems with genomics and jointly develop cutting-edge genomic tools for addressing large-scale challenges in health and the environment. The partnership combines research strengths in environmental and marine science; engineering and computer science; and biomedical and life sciences.
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New World screwworm flies, highly destructive parasitic insects, have returned to parts of the U.S. and pose a significant danger. BioSci Professor Omar Akbari discusses how the insect was eliminated in the past and the ways new genetic technologies could help combat today’s threat. See related video.
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Uri Manor, inaugural faculty director of the Goeddel Family Technology Sandbox, is using advanced research instruments to study Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease, a genetic neurological disorder that progressively causes muscle weakness in the legs, hands, feet and other critical areas, in novel ways. Unprecedented views of the genetic mutations responsible for the disease, along with AI advancements, are offering new hope for therapeutic solutions for six-year-old Jeremy, his parents and others who suffer from CMT. See the video.
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AI is transforming how biomedical discoveries are made, translated and delivered. BioSci's 4th Bridging Biomedical Breakthroughs Summit brings together faculty innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, legal experts and healthcare leaders to explore how AI is accelerating the future of biomedical innovation. The summit will spotlight emerging advances in therapeutics, diagnostics and medical imaging, highlighting how AI is enabling new approaches to discovery, improving precision and accelerating the path from scientific insight to real-world impact.
AI in Biomedical Innovation: Accelerating Therapeutics, Diagnostics, and Imaging,
Date: Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2026
Time: 12-7 p.m.
Location: Price Center West, Ballroom AB
Register here
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UC San Diego Technology Summit 2026
The UC San Diego Technology Summit 2026 brought together more than 100 graduate students, postdocs, researchers, faculty and industry professionals for a day focused on exploring some of UC San Diego’s cutting-edge research technologies and building connections across the life sciences. Hosted by the Goeddel Family Technology Sandbox and the Agilent Center of Excellence in Cellular Intelligence, the summit gave attendees the opportunity to meet with leading instrumentation vendors, learn about the latest technologies and tour both facilities.
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Nobel Laureate and BioSci Alum Featured in Discoveries Magazine and Deep Look Event
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School of Biological Sciences alumnus Susumu Tonegawa, who made key contributions to immunology and neurobiology and became UC San Diego’s first alumnus to receive a Nobel Prize, passed away on July 11. His research resolved a long-standing puzzle about how the immune system generates millions of antibodies from a small set of genes.
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BioSci Assistant Teaching Professor Keefe Reuther has developed an AI-based app that genuinely helps student learn, rather than being spoon-fed quick answers. In this Q&A, Ruether delves into the app’s development, motivations and potential to become the future for instruction in the rising AI world.
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The fifth cohort of postdoctoral scholars has been selected by UC San Diego’s Kavli Institute for Brain and Mind (KIBM), whose mission is to bridge disciplinary boundaries to further our understanding of the origins, evolution and mechanisms of human cognition. The KIBM 2026-2027 postdoctoral scholars are (from left) Pingchuan Ma, Shingo Hiroki and Eileen Chen.
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BioSci students kicked off the academic year with a Biology Resource Fair on September 23. The event brought together 18 organizations and campus offices offering resources and services to support students’ academic, personal and professional goals. Students connected with faculty, advisors, student organizations and other campus partners. The event also featured a faculty and peer panel session with insights on making the most of the college experience.
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For Maija Nepszy, helping others has always come naturally. A volleyball setter and Human Biology major, Nepszy hopes to one day become a pediatrician. Her first year at UC San Diego gave her the opportunity to begin building that path, balancing a challenging course load with the demands of Division I volleyball while finding opportunities to explore her interests beyond the classroom.
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UC San Diego BioSci in the news...
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