On March 20, 2026, The Lundquist Institute (TLI) welcomed trainees, investigators, and collaborators to its 4th Annual Trainee Symposium—an afternoon dedicated to highlighting emerging scientific talent and advancing biomedical research. The event brought together early-career researchers through keynote presentations, poster sessions, and networking, the symposium reflected the Institute’s commitment to mentorship, interdisciplinary collaboration, and scientific rigor.
Inspiring Keynotes Highlight the Frontiers of Science
The symposium featured two distinguished keynote speakers whose work exemplifies the cutting edge of biomedical research:
David Underhill, PhD of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center opened the program with a compelling talk on the role of the gut mycobiota in immune function. His presentation explored how the body distinguishes between beneficial microbes and harmful pathogens, with a particular focus on fungi within the intestinal microbiome and their long-term impact on inflammatory bowel diseases.
Nils Lindström, PhD of the USC Keck School of Medicine shared groundbreaking insights into kidney development and regenerative medicine. His research highlighted how stem and progenitor cells can be guided to form functional kidney structures, offering promising implications for future therapies that may reduce reliance on dialysis.
Together, these talks set the tone for a day centered on discovery and real-world impact.
Trainee Research Takes Center Stage
At the heart of the symposium was an expansive poster session featuring over 40 trainee-led research projects, representing the of research at The Lundquist Institute.
From immune responses to fungal infections and molecular drivers of cancer to studies in metabolic dysfunction, neurological development, and chronic disease, the work on display reflected both depth and diversity. The session also fostered meaningful dialogue, allowing trainees to connect with faculty and peers, exchange ideas, and refine their research through feedback.
Building Community Through Science
Beyond research presentations, the symposium created space for connection and collaboration across disciplines. Organized by Emma Loeffler, PhD, and Jian Miao, PhD, the event underscored a shared commitment to cultivating a supportive training environment where early-career scientists can grow and lead.
“What makes the Trainee Symposium special is the opportunity for trainees to take center stage and share their science in a collaborative, supportive environment,” said Dr. Miao. “It’s not just about presenting data, but it’s also about building connections and gaining perspectives that shape future research. This kind of experience is invaluable for early-career scientists.”
“What’s also special about it is that it’s an event centered around trainees, and for which trainees are involved in the organization process,” said Dr. Loeffler. “We’re very grateful to have had this opportunity for this year’s Symposium. It was a unique and meaningful experience; we learned a great deal along the way, and it was exciting to see the event come to life.”
Recognizing Excellence and Looking Ahead
The day concluded with awards and closing remarks from TLI President and CEO Joe W. Ramos, PhD, who recognized the exceptional contributions of trainees and reinforced the Institute’s dedication to investing in the next generation of scientific leaders.
“What we witnessed at this year’s Trainee Symposium is a powerful reminder that the future of science is strong,” says Dr. Ramos. “Our trainees are asking the important questions, challenging assumptions, and advancing research that has the potential to transform prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease. It is our responsibility and our privilege to support their growth and ensure they have the resources and mentorship needed to succeed.”
As TLI continues to expand its research efforts, the Trainee Symposium remains a key platform for showcasing emerging talent, strengthening collaboration, and accelerating discovery.
Supporting Scientific Discovery: Our Sponsors
The success of the 4th Annual Trainee Symposium was made possible through the generous support of our sponsors: STEMCELL Technologies, BioLegend, and Miltenyi Biotec. Their support provided critical symposium resources for keynote presentations, poster sessions, and networking opportunities.
TLI sincerely thanks its sponsors for their partnership and continued investment in the next generation of scientific leaders.