What is LEAD Day?
(Lectures, Empowerment, and Awareness in Autoimmune Disease)
LEAD Day is an annual event hosted by La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) and sponsored by the Global Autoimmune Institute (GAI) that brings together leading scientists, healthcare professionals, advocates, and the autoimmune disease community. Through scientific lectures, community discussions, and public engagement, LEAD Day connects emerging autoimmune research with the people whose lives it aims to improve.
Why was LEAD Day Created?
Autoimmune disease research is advancing rapidly, but scientific discoveries often remain within research communities long before they reach the people living with these conditions.
LEAD Day was created to help close that gap.
Building on months of scientific exchange through the Walter and Jean Boek Seminar Series, LEAD Day extends those conversations beyond the research community by bringing scientists, clinicians, patients, caregivers, advocates, and the public together to explore emerging discoveries and what they may mean for the future of autoimmune disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
What Happens at LEAD Day?
Each year’s program is unique, reflecting the latest developments in autoimmune disease research and emerging opportunities for community engagement. Attendees can expect a scientific panel discussion featuring experts in immunology and autoimmune disease research, the Walter and Jean Boek Leadership in Research Award Lecture, opportunities to engage directly with speakers during audience question-and-answer sessions, presentation of the annual research award, and a social reception that encourages continued conversation and collaboration.
| Date | Walter and Jean Boek Leadership in Research Awardee | Walter and Jean Boek Leadership in Research Lecture | Panel Discussion |
| September 15, 2026 | Dr. Eric Topol | Super Agers and the Immune System | AI and Multi-Omics: Building a New Era of Autoimmune and Chronic Disease Research |
| March 6, 2025 | Dr. Georg Schett | Control of autoimmune disease by deep B-cell depletion | Beyond the Diagnosis: The Autoimmunity Research That’s Reshaping Lives |
Walter and Jean Boek Leadership in Research Award and Lecture
The Walter and Jean Boek Leadership in Research Award recognizes a distinguished scientist whose work has significantly advanced the understanding of autoimmune disease.
The recipient delivers the Walter and Jean Boek Leadership in Research Award Lecture, sharing insights into their work and its potential to shape the future of autoimmune disease research and care.
On September 15, 2026, LEAD Day will feature awardee Dr. Eric Topol, a scientific panel discussion on AI and multi-omics, the release of a new autoimmune disease resource guide, and opportunities for community engagement.
