Institute for Systems Biology

10/16/2026

Millions of people are living with Long COVID, but scientists are still working to understand why symptoms vary so widely — and how best to treat them.

ISB President Dr. Jim Heath is helping uncover answers.

In our latest Research Roundtable, he shared new discoveries about the immune system, surprising connections to autoimmune diseases, and how artificial intelligence could help accelerate the search for effective treatments.

Read our recap and watch the full presentation:

Explore new Long COVID research from ISB's Dr. Jim Heath, including immune system discoveries and how AI could accelerate the search for treatments.

10/15/2026

We hope to see you on December 9. Learn more and register today! https://isbscience.org/events/frontiers-in-computational-biology/

What's next for AI in biology? 🤖🧬

Find out at the Frontiers in Computational Biology Symposium on December 9!

This one-day event will bring together leading researchers to explore emerging approaches in computational biology. Whether you're a computational biologist, bioinformatician, data scientist, or life sciences researcher, this is an opportunity to explore the technologies and ideas shaping the future of the field.

Register today: https://bit.ly/3WrAxFq

10/12/2026

TOMORROW: What can the immune system tell us about Long COVID?

Join ISB President Jim Heath, PhD, Tuesday, Oct. 13, for a free virtual Research Roundtable exploring persistent immune responses and autoantibodies — and what they may reveal about prolonged symptoms. Heath will also preview an upcoming NIH-sponsored Long COVID Hackathon drawing on data from the national RECOVER initiative.

Open to everyone, with time for Q&A.

Tuesday, Oct. 13 | Noon–1 p.m. PT | Free, virtual
Register: https://isbscience.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_p6_dWwVWTWefxYBJAYTSIQ #/registration

09/30/2026

What can the immune system tell us about Long COVID?

Join ISB President Jim Heath, PhD, on Oct. 13 for a free virtual Research Roundtable exploring new findings on persistent immune responses and autoantibodies in people with Long COVID — and what they may reveal about the biology underlying prolonged symptoms.

Dr.Heath will also discuss plans for an upcoming NIH-sponsored Long COVID Hackathon bringing together experts to analyze data from more than 17,000 individuals in the national RECOVER initiative using a novel AI framework developed at ISB.

The event is open to everyone, regardless of scientific background, and includes a Q&A.

Tuesday, Oct. 13 | Noon–1 p.m. PT | Free and virtual

Register: https://isbscience.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_p6_dWwVWTWefxYBJAYTSIQ #/registration

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):

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