Discovery Series, Dr. Megan Smithmyer, Staff Scientist, Benaroya Research Institute

​Progress on Mission: Healthy Immune System Edition

​Benaroya Research Institute (BRI) at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health studies the immune system and the wide range of diseases that affect it — including autoimmune diseases, allergies, asthma and cancer. Its purpose is to advance the understanding of human immunology: studying the immune system in health and disease, searching for new and better treatments with fewer side effects, and identifying personalized medicines that target the root cause of disease. Researchers at BRI are also working to shift the paradigm of immune system disease treatment by uncovering ways to predict who will develop disease and stop it before it starts. 

​BRI recently published a study defining what a healthy immune system looks like, marking a significant step forward in its mission. Megan Smithmyer, PhD, will provide an overview of BRI and its recent works including the Sound Life Project, a unique longitudinal study that followed 100 healthy adults over the course of two years. Findings from this study lay the groundwork for BRI to better understand what goes awry during autoimmune disease and other immune-mediated diseases.      

​About the Discovery Series: designed to bring together the state's preeminent researchers, innovative leaders, and elected officials who want to stay on top of important advancements being made in our state, each Discovery Series program includes lunch, networking time, a Q&A session, and an opportunity to meet the speaker. 

​Agenda 

​11:30 am to 12 pm - Lunch 

​12 pm to 12:40 pm - Presentation 

​12:40 pm to 1 pm - Audience Q&A