Institute for Systems Biology

08/28/2026

What causes some people to develop harmful autoantibodies after COVID-19?

ISB researchers and collaborators have identified a distinct population of B cells that gives rise to these antibodies — and found that the cells adopt molecular features also seen in autoimmune diseases such as lupus.

Published in Immunity, the multi-omics study helps illuminate how viral infection can disrupt immune regulation and why some people may be more susceptible to autoimmune complications following infection.

Read more about the research:

ISB identifies B cells that drive harmful autoantibody production after COVID-19, revealing links between viral infection and autoimmunity.

08/19/2026

Congratulations to ISB Distinguished Investigator and 2025 Nobel laureate Mary Brunkow, who has been named to Forbes' 2026 “50 Over 50” Innovation list!

The list recognizes women making significant contributions later in their careers. Mary was honored for her groundbreaking research into regulatory T cells and discoveries that have transformed our understanding of autoimmune disease.

Learn more:

These 50 STEM standouts on this list are actively advancing the world’s understanding of medicine, meteorology and large language models.

08/04/2026

ISB Education wrapped up another busy school year, and has continued into the summer! From expanding teacher professional learning through Canvas to developing new classroom resources, welcoming district STEM leaders to ISB, presenting at conferences across the U.S. and internationally, and launching another summer of student research, our Education team continues to broaden its impact in classrooms and communities. Read the latest Education update:
https://isbscience.org/news/education/2025-26-school-year-isb-education-highlights
Systems Education Experiences Nitin Baliga

Throughout the 2025-26 academic school year, the ISB Education team provides quarterly updates on curriculum, programs, interns, and more.

06/24/2026

Earlier this month, ISB welcomed more than 160 scientists, educators, students, philanthropists, and community leaders for An Evening of Laurels, celebrating Nobel laureate Dr. Mary Brunkow and the future of women in science.

This short video captures highlights from an inspiring evening of conversation, mentorship, and scientific discovery.

Read the full recap and watch the complete program:
https://isbscience.org/news/women-in-science-at-isb/mary-brunkow-evening-of-laurels/

06/18/2026

Last week, Lost Women of Science co-founder Katie Hafner visited ISB for a special presentation and conversation with Nobel laureate Mary Brunkow.

Together, they explored the stories of overlooked women scientists, the importance of mentorship, and the work still needed to create opportunities for future generations of women in STEM.

Watch a recording of the event and read our recap:

Lost Women of Science co-founder Katie Hafner joined Nobel laureate Mary Brunkow to talk overlooked women scientists, mentorship, and more.

06/16/2026

Congratulations to the University of Washington Class of 2026!

This weekend, Nobel laureate and ISB scientist Mary Brunkow returned to her alma mater to deliver the keynote address at the UW's 151st Commencement ceremony.

Mary shared reflections on curiosity, discovery, and the importance of staying open to unexpected opportunities throughout life and career.

Watch the ceremony here (Mary's remarks begin around the 2-hour mark):

Needing Translation Services?Download the Zoom app on your phone o...

06/12/2026

This Saturday, Nobel laureate and ISB scientist Mary Brunkow will address graduates at the University of Washington's 151st Commencement.

GeekWire recently spoke with Mary about her perspective on AI, science, and the message she hopes to share with the Class of 2026.

Nobel laureate Mary Brunkow will be the featured speaker at Saturday's 151st commencement. She's a scientist, not a tech executive — and unlike other graduation speakers this season, she's not planning to sell students on AI.

06/02/2026

Join us on June 11 for a free virtual conversation featuring Katie Hafner, co-founder of Lost Women of Science, and ISB's Mary Brunkow.

Together, they'll discuss the women whose scientific contributions have been overlooked throughout history, the importance of telling those stories, and the evolving role of women in science today.

📅 Thursday, June 11
🕛 Noon–1 p.m. PT

Register for free: https://isbscience.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_JSd9UWwmRNG7Ioe_o2-c7w

05/14/2026

How do genetics, environment, diet, microbiomes, and lifestyle all work together to shape human health?

A new paper published in the journal Cell (Cell Press) looks at a global multiomics human diversity study that aims to better understand health across populations and cultures worldwide.

By combining many layers of biological data, researchers hope to build a more complete picture of human health — and ultimately improve prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

Read the story here:

A multiomics study published in Cell reveals how ethnicity and geography shape metabolism, immunity, the microbiome, and biological aging.

05/12/2026

How does the immune system recognize viruses and cancer — and how can scientists study those responses in greater detail?

A new study from ISB researchers introduces a high-throughput platform that can identify and deeply profile antigen-specific CD4+ T cells at single-cell resolution.

The work, published in Nature Portfolio's Nature Communications, could help improve vaccine design and advance future cancer immunotherapies.

Read the story:

A new high-throughput platform profiles antigen-specific CD4+ T cells at single-cell resolution for vaccine and cancer research.