Page 5 - April 2026 Insider

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INSIDER April 2026

Page 5
Scientist of the Year Announcement

(February 2, 2026)… Continued from Page 4

meaningful improvements in patient care.
Her record of scientific excellence,
mentorship and dedication to advancing
research reflects the core values and
mission of ARCS Foundation, making her a
highly deserving honoree.“

Read the full press release here:

https://today.ucsd.edu/story/sonia-ancoli-israel-
selected-as-the-2026-scientist-of-the-year-by-arcs-
Ancoli-Israel and colleague, Jerome Siegel, standing san-diego
behind the four founders of the field of sleep research
(from left) Michel Jouvet, William Dement,
Nathaniel Kleitman and Eugene Aserinksy in 1995.

Winter General Meeting

(January 27, 2026)

At the January 27 General Meeting, ARCS San Diego members received a series of uplifting
updates underscoring the chapter’s strong leadership, adaptability, and enduring impact.

President Leslie Bruce opened the meeting with welcome news about new allocation
strategies designed to help offset recent federal funding cuts. Following thoughtful
recommendations from the Allocations Committee—Kristin
Boyd, Catie Madani, Janet Roemer, Paulette Roberts,
Greta Treadgold, Danielle James, and Leslie Bruce—the
board unanimously approved plans to withdraw 5% of annual

interest beginning in FY 2026–27 to support Scholar awards. In
addition, current Scholars will receive a one-time $3,000 bonus
this fiscal year. The committee will reconvene in June to finalize
award levels and numbers for 2026–27.

Leslie also shared exciting growth opportunities for the
chapter. Sanford Burnham Prebys, a La Jolla–based biomedical
research institute with 55 PhD students, has expressed interest
in becoming a new ARCS educational partner, with next steps
including a site visit and board approvals. In addition, SDSU has
requested ARCS approval for students in its joint doctoral
Leslie Bruce
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