Dear Friends,

Our department has much to celebrate and be thankful for this year, especially our extraordinary community!

In October, we celebrated the importance of basic research when MCB faculty alumnus James Allison received the Nobel Prize in Physiology/Medicine. His research on how the immune system fights infection led to unforeseen breakthroughs in cancer immunotherapies that are now helping people with advanced melanoma live longer, healthier lives.

“I don’t know if I could have accomplished this work anywhere else than Berkeley,” Allison said. “There were a lot of smart people to work with, and it felt like we could do almost anything. I always tell people that it was one of the happiest times of my life, with the academic environment, the enthusiasm, the students, the faculty.” — James Allison

As educators, we are dedicated to providing our students with a world-class education, cutting-edge research training, and leadership skills to achieve their goals. This year we were proud to graduate over 600 students and welcome them as new members of our community of remarkable alumni. We value staying connected with all of our alumni and are eager to learn about their innovative and creative achievements including scientific discoveries and solutions to the world’s most pressing health, environmental and social problems.

Thank you for belonging to our remarkable community. MCB students, researchers, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends are what make our department so phenomenal. Without you, our achievements would not be possible!

In the new year, we look forward to keeping in touch and sharing more milestones with you, including a special one, our 30th birthday (mcb.berkeley.edu/mcb30)! Happy Holidays to you, your family and friends!

Warmest Wishes,

David Drubin Donald Rio

David Drubin, MCB Co-Chair

Donald Rio, MCB Co-Chair