📅 Thursday, March 6, 2025
📍 La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI)

In recognition of Autoimmune Disease Awareness Month, GAI was proud to support the very first LEAD Day.

LEAD Day started as an idea—a way to dissolve the silos between research and real-world impact, to bring patients into the conversation, to make the progress on autoimmune disease something shared.

This event brought together experts, researchers, and the autoimmune disease community to foster scientific progress, empower patients, and raise awareness. This inaugural event included the awarding of the very first Walter and Jean Boek Leadership in Research Award.

LEAD Day 2025 Highlights

LEAD Day featured two key components:

• A scientific session highlighting groundbreaking autoimmune research.
• A community-centered discussion focused on patient perspectives, education, and engagement.

Walter and Jean Boek Leadership in Research Award

This award recognizes a distinguished scientist whose research has significantly advanced our understanding of autoimmune diseases.

This award is part of LJI’s Walter and Jean Boek Seminar Series, which provides a platform for in-depth discussions on immunology throughout the academic year.

This prestigious lecture honored a researcher whose work has significantly advanced the understanding of autoimmune diseases. The inaugural recipient, Dr. Georg Schett, led groundbreaking studies exploring the potential for long-term cures without immunosuppressive drugs, reshaping the future of autoimmune disease treatment.

Following the lecture, a dedicated reception provided scientists and clinicians an opportunity to connect and discuss advancements in immunology.

Community Panel Discussion

A lay-friendly discussion featured Dr. Schett and leading medical research experts, focusing on the real-world implications of autoimmune research and patient perspectives.

You can watch the full discussion here!

Attendees then gathered for a reception offering exclusively gluten-free refreshments, providing an opportunity to engage with researchers, advocates, and fellow community members.

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Looking Ahead

The inaugural LEAD Day’s success highlights the importance of continued collaboration between researchers, clinicians, and the autoimmune disease community. GAI remains committed to supporting initiatives that advance autoimmune research and patient empowerment.

For more information about GAI’s collaboration with LJI, visit https://www.autoimmuneinstitute.org/gai-and-la-jolla-institute-for-immunology/