The Lundquist Institute community mourns the passing of Christina Chung-Lun Wang, 汪重輪, MD, a beloved colleague, mentor, physician-scientist, and friend whose presence shaped our institution for more than three decades. Dr. Wang passed away on June 10, 2026, surrounded by her family after facing a serious illness with the same strength, determination, and optimism that defined her life.
Throughout her career at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, and The Lundquist Institute, Dr. Wang was a leader who built programs – including the UCLA Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) at The Lundquist Institute, enhancing community access to clinical and translational research – and mentored countless students and investigators, all while advancing her own andrology research that has improved lives around the world.
Born in Nanjing, China, Dr. Wang earned her medical degree from the University of Hong Kong, where she graduated with one of the institution’s highest academic honors. Following postgraduate training in medicine and endocrinology in Hong Kong and Australia, she rose to become Professor of Medicine and Chief of the Division of Endocrinology at Queen Mary Hospital. After moving to Los Angeles in 1989, she joined the faculty at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center as a UCLA Professor of Medicine and was subsequently recruited to Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Division of Endocrinology, and later joined the Research & Education Institute (now The Lundquist Institute) as the Director of the Clinical Study Center in 1993. She continued to rise in academic ranks and was appointed Distinguished Professor of Medicine,Assistant Dean of Research at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.
Dr. Wang was internationally recognized as one of the world’s foremost authorities in male reproductive medicine and biology. Her pioneering research advanced the development of hormonal male contraception, androgen replacement therapies, treatments for hypogonadism, and the scientific understanding of spermatogenesis and reproductive endocrinology. As Chairperson of the World Health Organization (WHO) Task Force on Methods for the Regulation of Male Fertility, she led landmark international studies that helped establish the scientific foundation for safe, effective, and reversible hormonal contraception for men.
Over the course of her distinguished career, Dr. Wang authored more than 350 peer-reviewed publications and 70 book chapters and reviews. She served on the editorial group of the WHO’s Laboratory Manual for the Examination of Human Semen from its first edition in 1980 through its sixth edition in 2021, helping establish clinical and laboratory standards that guide reproductive medicine laboratories worldwide.
Her influence extended far beyond her own scholarship. Dr. Wang served as President of a number of medical societies including the American Society of Andrology and the International Society of Andrology, receiving the highest honors from these organizations in recognition of her scientific leadership and service. Throughout her career, she remained a tireless advocate for scientific collaboration and the continuous growth of the next generation of investigators.
At The Lundquist Institute, colleagues knew Dr. Wang not only as a globally respected scientist but also as a trusted leader whose commitment to translational research never wavered. She played a pivotal role in building and leading clinical and translational research programs, expanding access to clinical trials, and strengthening partnerships that connected laboratory discoveries with patient care. She was also a principal partner on multiple National Institutes of Health (NIH) projects, where her leadership, scientific expertise, and collaborative spirit were instrumental to the success of the initiatives.
Dr. Wang was a strong advocate for community-engaged research and for expanding access to clinical studies for underserved populations, helping ensure that scientific advances reached the communities most in need. That commitment was reflected in the recently awarded California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) Community Care Centers of Excellence Program grant, through which she helped establish the South Los Angeles Community Care Center of Excellence in Regenerative Medicine (SoLA CCCE), expanding local access to cutting-edge regenerative therapies while equipping local healthcare professionals with the knowledge and training to deliver them. Whether advancing CTSI initiatives, helping launch innovative programs, or building partnerships across institutions and organizations, she brought relentless drive and intellectual rigor to every endeavor. In recognition of her extraordinary contributions to science, mentorship, and the Institute, Dr. Wang was named a Legend in 2018, the organization’s highest honor.
The same commitment that defined Dr. Wang’s scientific leadership was evident in every aspect of her work. Colleagues often marveled at her seemingly limitless energy. Whether reviewing grants, mentoring junior investigators, advancing collaborative studies, or responding to emails late into the evening, she approached every aspect of her work with remarkable focus and dedication. Even in the final weeks of her life, she remained actively engaged in scientific meetings, ongoing research projects, and supporting the colleagues and trainees who meant so much to her.
Dr. Wang’s impact was especially profound as a mentor. Former trainees, junior faculty, and colleagues consistently describe her generosity, encouragement, and ability to make others believe in themselves. She welcomed young scientists from around the world into the research community, championing their careers and facilitating meaningful research opportunities. Many of today’s leaders in andrology, endocrinology, and reproductive medicine trace their professional development to her guidance and support, recalling that Dr. Wang made them feel they belonged in science long before they believed they did.
Many of her most important scientific contributions were made in partnership with her husband and longtime collaborator, Dr. Ronald Swerdloff, with whom she shared not only a distinguished research career but a deep commitment to advancing the field of reproductive medicine.
Dr. Wang is survived by her husband, Dr. Ronald Swerdloff, their family, and a worldwide community of colleagues, trainees, patients, and friends who were privileged to know her.
For those at The Lundquist Institute, Dr. Wang’s legacy lives on in the programs she helped build, the investigators she mentored, the collaborations she fostered, and the countless patients and communities who benefited from her work. Her influence will continue to be felt for generations to come.
The Lundquist Institute Remembers Dr. Wang
Some of the reflections below are excerpts from longer tributes shared by colleagues and scientific organizations. Where available, links to the full tributes are provided.
“For those of us at The Lundquist Institute, Christina’s legacy is visible every day—in the programs she helped build, the investigators she mentored, the collaborations she fostered, and the culture of generosity and excellence she helped create.” — Joe W. Ramos, PhD, President and CEO
“She always made me and other young researchers feel that they belonged.” — Bradley Anawalt, MD
“In conjunction with her scientific career, Dr. Wang was passionate about recognizing, encouraging, and supporting promising young andrologists from around the world. Through her leadership positions at WHO, ISA, and ASA, she ensured that generations of these talented young colleagues became established leaders in our field across many nations. Her mentees are a testament to her ongoing legacy to andrology.” — Peter Liu, MBBS, PhD
“Dr. Wang had a remarkable ability to make each member of the team feel valued. She encouraged our growth and created an environment where we could thrive.” — The Lundquist Institute Clinical and Translational Research Center Team
“Christina was the driving force that made EM SoLA CCCE a reality. Her ability to build a community of people working toward a common goal was remarkable. She leaves behind a rich legacy, along with memories of her boundless energy, generosity, uncommon brilliance, and warmth. This center is one of her many legacies.” — Lynda Polgreen, MD, MS
“Right out of fellowship, when I joined as faculty to Harbor-UCLA and what is now the Lundquist Institute, Christina enthusiastically met me and provided me some of the best career advice I ever got. She wanted to help all young investigators succeed. She strived to elevate everyone around her.” – Loren Miller, MD, MPH
“Christina’s passing is a tremendous loss for The Lundquist Institute and for all those whose lives she touched through her tireless dedication and service… She brought such positivity, warmth, and incredible energy wherever she went.” — Denise Al Alam, PhD
“Dr. Wang has been so dedicated to improving access to clinical trials for vulnerable populations and has worked tirelessly to accomplish this. Christina will live on in all of this work and will inspire me every moment of every day.” — Noah Federman, MD
“She touched our hearts with her smile, kindness, compassion, and wisdom. She taught us not only how to become smart physicians, but how to become kind doctors.” — Hla Win, MD
“Countless trainees, junior faculty, colleagues, and patients have benefited from her talents as a cutting-edge researcher, leader, program-builder, astute clinician, and dedicated educator.” — Andrew Gianoukakis, MD and Jay Thomas, MD
“Dr. Wang’s distinguished contributions to reproductive endocrinology, spanning both clinical care and bench research, and her unwavering commitment to the training and development of physicians have left an enduring impact on the field and on all who had the privilege of working with her.” — Maruja Diaz, MD
“Christina has been an outspoken advocate for our underserved communities. She learned to show up physically in community and not just academically during the work week.” — Audrey Alo
“Dr. Wang was an inspiring and incredible role model, a formidable intellect whose warmth and kindness I have never forgotten.” — Rose Malamug, MD
Additional Tributes from the Scientific Community
“She was a constant source of inspiration… generous with her time and eager to help. Those who had the privilege of knowing Christina personally have lost far more than a distinguished colleague; we have lost a dear friend and a truly beautiful human being.” — Csilla Krausz, MD, PhD, President of the International Society of Andrology
“Her attention to each of us made us think that we were at the top of her list. That was her generous and extraordinarily cheerful gift.” — Diana Blithe, PhD, Chief, Contraceptive Development Program, Division of Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health
“In Christina, the field of andrology has lost an important torchbearer whose contributions will continue to influence current and future scientists and clinicians.” — Ilpo Huhtaniemi, MD, PhD, Past President of the International Society of Andrology. Read the full International Society of Andrology tribute.
“As we mourn the passing of Professor Wang, we do so with gratitude for the warmth she brought to her work, and with deep appreciation for the pioneering impact she leaves behind.” — Tse Hung-Fat, MBBS, MD, PhD, Chairperson, The University of Hong Kong Department of Medicine
“Christina was passionate about solving complex problems; she viewed research as a way to uncover the truth, beginning with practical clinical questions and allowing data to guide her conclusions. She was also an inspiration for women scientists and clinicians alike.” — Martine Culty, PhD, USC School of Pharmacy and Vassilios Papadopoulos, DPharm, PhD, DSc, Dean, USC School of Pharmacy, Past President of the American Society of Andrology
In Loving Memory of Dr. Wang
Dr. Wang and colleagues at Clinical Trials Day (2026)
Dr. Wang speaks at Clinical Trials Day (2026)
Dr. Wang and Dr. Swerdloff
Dr. Wang during a solar eclipse
Dr. Wang with the Endocrine faculty and trainees at the Endocrine Society Meeting in New Orleans (2019)
Dr. Wang with ASA Colleagues
Dr. Wang with CTSI colleagues (2024)
Dr. Wang with Dr. Peter Liu, a 2010 ASA Young Andrologist
Dr. Wang with Csilla Krausz, President of ISA
Dr. Wang with her nominee Wei Yan, a 2025 ASA Distinguished Andrologist, and Dr. Swerdloff
Dr. Wang with the Endocrine Faculty and Trainees at the Endocrine Society Meeting in Orlando (2017)
International Young Andrologists with Dr. Wang in 2025, where the mentees of her mentees were acknowledged with International Young Andrologist awards
Dr. Wang and colleagues
International Young Andrologists with then President Wang of the International Society of Andrology (2013)
Dr. Wang in her lab with trainees (2006)
