In 2024, the Global Autoimmune Institute (GAI) announced a new five-year investment to support La Jolla Institute for Immunology‘s (LJI) seminar program, which will now be known as the Walter and Jean Boek Seminar Series.
The partnership strengthens scientific collaboration and advances research into autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
For years, LJI’s seminar program has served as a forum for leading scientists to present emerging discoveries, discuss new therapeutic approaches, and foster collaborations that accelerate research across immunology and related fields. Distinguished speakers represent universities, medical centers, and research institutions from around the world, creating opportunities for researchers to exchange ideas and build new partnerships.
Renaming the series in 2024 honored Drs. Walter and Jean Boek, pioneering public health researchers, educators, and advocates for scientific advancement whose work helped shape the field of medical sociology.
This five-year commitment supports both the Walter and Jean Boek Seminar Series and the Walter and Jean Boek Leadership in Research Award Lecture, presented during LEAD Day (Lectures, Empowerment, and Awareness in Autoimmune Disease), where scientific discussions are extended to a broader audience that includes healthcare professionals, advocates, caregivers, and the autoimmune disease community.
One year later, the seminar series has welcomed leading scientists from institutions around the world and continues to foster scientific dialogue and collaboration across the immunology research community.
Drs. Walter E. Boek and Jean K. Boek devoted their careers to advancing public health research, education, and scientific communication.
Dr. Walter Boek served as an assistant to the Commissioner of Health for New York State before leading what was considered one of the world’s most influential social science research programs. He later worked to improve communication among physicians through the Health Information Foundation and served as a professor at several colleges and universities.
Dr. Jean Boek conducted influential public health research, including some of the first studies demonstrating the association between cigarette smoking and heart disease and showing that seatbelt use saves lives.
Together, Walter and Jean Boek co-authored Society and Health, published numerous scientific papers, and helped establish the field now known as medical sociology. Their commitment to interdisciplinary research, education, and improving public health continues to inspire the Global Autoimmune Institute’s mission and its partnership with La Jolla Institute for Immunology.
