Annual Symposium

Basic Sciences Research Symposium

The annual Basic Sciences Research Symposium brings together researchers, scientists and academics to share discoveries, discuss emerging research and explore advances in the basic sciences.

2026 Recap

Loma Linda University School of Medicine hosted its annual Basic Sciences Research Symposium on October 29, 2026, bringing together more than 200 attendees for a day of scientific discovery, collaboration and research exchange. Centered on the theme “Stem Cells in Human Disease: From Mechanism to Therapeutic Targeting,” the symposium featured poster presentations and brought together faculty, students and researchers from Loma Linda University and other institutions, including the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) and the University of California, Riverside.

The program included research-focused presentations, roundtable discussions, a vendor showcase and a keynote address by Alexander Nikitin, MD, PhD, of Cornell University, who presented on “Stem Cells, Cell States, and the Origins of Ovarian Cancer.” The event also welcomed participants from the Inland Empire Stem Cell Consortium, a regional network of approximately 40 research laboratories.

The symposium concluded with recognition of outstanding student research through its poster awards. Winners included:

• First Place: Adelaide Makamure, LLU
• Second Place: Anankha Udayakumar, LLU
• Third Place: Lynette Rodriguez, City of Hope
• Fourth Place: Jon Wong, UCR
• New Investigator Award: Alena McQuarter, LLU

The annual symposium provided an opportunity to showcase emerging research, foster interdisciplinary connections and strengthen collaboration among scientists and institutions throughout the region and beyond.

The symposium features:

• Focused talks from national experts
• Roundtable discussions
• Poster presentations and awards 
• Lunch and vendor exhibits

Join colleagues from across the region for a day of scientific exchange, collaboration and discovery focused on the evolving role of stem cells in human disease and therapeutic development.