50 Years of Discovery
Advancing Together
For more than half a century, Sanford Burnham Prebys has been shaped by bold ideas, dedicated scientists, and a shared commitment to discovery. From our founding moments to the breakthroughs of today, our history reflects how curiosity and perseverance have driven progress.
50 Years of Discovery
For more than half a century, Sanford Burnham Prebys has been shaped by bold ideas, dedicated scientists, and a shared commitment to discovery. From our founding moments to the breakthroughs of today, our history reflects how curiosity and perseverance have driven progress.
Confronting the Threat to Biomedical Research
A FAIR Way Forward for Federal Research Funding »
The NIH’s abrupt decision to cap indirect costs at 15% threatens the future of scientific discovery. This policy endangers research institutions, slows progress and weakens U.S. leadership in life sciences. We stand united in opposition and are actively working to reverse this harmful decision.
Our Impact
At Sanford Burnham Prebys, we bring together visionary scientists, emerging technologies and world-class resources.
In a time of dramatic change in biomedical research, our mission remains steadfast: Turn scientific discovery into a healthier world.
Our Research
Centers
Our research is organized across six centers that bring together expertise in cancer, heart and muscle, neurologic, and metabolic and liver diseases, alongside advanced capabilities in therapeutics discovery and data science. Together, these centers create a collaborative environment where fundamental biology and innovative technologies converge to accelerate discovery and improve human health.
NCI-Designated Cancer Center
One of only seven National Cancer Institute-designated Basic Laboratory Cancer Centers in the U.S., we are a hub for scientific leadership and basic cancer research. An active Community Advisory Board further supports our mission, educating the public and advancing patient advocacy.
Center for Cardiovascular and Muscular Diseases
We get to the heart of biological processes in muscle cells and tissues to discover new treatments for millions suffering from debilitating muscular conditions and cardiovascular disease — the leading cause of death in the U.S.
Center for Neurologic Diseases
To improve the quality of life for a rapidly aging worldwide population, we use molecular approaches to gain a therapeutically actionable understanding of diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and other neurodegenerative conditions.
Center for Metabolic and Liver Diseases
Metabolism is fundamental to life, yet metabolic malfunction causes disorders ranging from obesity and diabetes to inflammatory bowel disease. These conditions threaten vital internal organs, including the body’s largest — the liver.
Center for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
Knowledge is data, derived from facts, information, and ideas. The modern scientific enterprise is in the age of data science, utilizing rapidly advancing tools like computational biology, machine learning, and artificial intelligence.
Center for Therapeutics Discovery
This is where concepts become realities. We deploy the latest technologies, from robotically enabled high-throughput screening to in vitro and in vivo pharmacology and medicinal and computational chemistry, to translate original research into drugs that improve patients’ health and wellbeing.
Our Technology
Licensing and Partnering Opportunities
Sanford Burnham Prebys is committed to translating scientific discoveries into real-world impact. Browse available technologies, intellectual property and collaboration opportunities from our researchers and connect with us to learn more about licensing and partnership opportunities.
Research Centers
Our four disease-focused research centers target the most pressing health threats: cancer, cardiovascular/muscular, neurologic and metabolic disease. They are supported by three enabling technologies centers for drug discovery, multi-omics and computational biology/artificial intelligence, and enriched by four overarching research themes: aging, immunology/inflammation, stem cells/regenerative medicine and children’s health.
Research Programs
Within the research centers are distinct programs that group together researchers working in key areas of biology to foster collaboration and create a stimulating scientific environment. Programs range from cancer epigenetics to degenerative diseases to aging — and support our work to advance scientific discovery to clinical care quickly and smartly.
Education
The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and post-doctoral programs recruit and train future generations of diverse scientists, combining hands-on laboratory experience with close mentorship from world-class researchers, buttressed by extensive networking and support services.
Our Central Mission
Our four disease-focused research centers target the most pressing health threats: cancer, cardiovascular/muscular, neurologic and metabolic disease. They are supported by three enabling technologies centers for drug discovery, multi-omics and computational biology/artificial intelligence, and enriched by four overarching research themes: aging, immunology/inflammation, stem cells/regenerative medicine and children’s health.
Discovery Driven
Within the research centers are distinct programs that group together researchers working in key areas of biology to foster collaboration and create a stimulating scientific environment. Programs range from cancer epigenetics to degenerative diseases to aging — and support our work to advance scientific discovery to clinical care quickly and smartly.
Science Shaped
The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and post-doctoral programs recruit and train future generations of diverse scientists, combining hands-on laboratory experience with close mentorship from world-class researchers, buttressed by extensive networking and support services.
Latest News
Jul 1, 2026Pioneering computer biologist Jill Mesirov joins Sanford Burnham Prebys
Jul 1, 2026Jill P. Mesirov, PhD, a pioneering mathematician and computational biologist, has joined Sanford Burnham Prebys as a Distinguished Professor and…
Jun 30, 2026Parsing the pathology of prostate cancer
Jun 30, 2026Researchers identify epigenetic mechanism that explains why some tumors grow slowly and remain localized but others become aggressive and metastasize.
Jun 25, 2026Why are people with metabolic liver disease also at higher risk of heart disease?
Jun 25, 2026A team led by Debanjan Dhar, PhD, developed a translational model that begins to explain why people with metabolic liver…
Jun 12, 2026Improving protein folding may lead to new diabetes treatments
Jun 12, 2026Study from the Kaufman lab reveals new insights into making insulin-producing cells more resilient to stress as diabetes progresses.
Jun 9, 2026Using patient-derived research models to study deadly DNA loops
Jun 9, 2026Study from the Chavez lab shows significant similarities between human tumor samples and mouse cancer models created from said samples.
Jun 8, 2026CIAO Study: 11th annual longevity symposium provides new peeks and possibilities at longer, healthier lives
Jun 8, 2026The Cilento Initiative on Aging Outcomes (CIAO) held its 11th annual research symposium at Sanford Burnham Prebys, with more than a…
Scientific Summit
Held in celebration of the 50th anniversary, this Scientific Summit featured a panel of Institute scientists discussing advances in research on diseases including cancer, Alzheimer’s and metabolic disorders.