June 3, 2025 The Best Source of News, Culture, Lifestyle for Culver City, Mar Vista, Del Rey, Palms and West Los Angeles

Scripps Research scientists to bring biomedical labs to USC, aid in new health-science facility

A pair of Scripps Research Institute scientists will bring their biomedical labs to USC and anchor the work that will be done at a new health-science facility being funded in part by a $50 million donation from retired surgeon Gary Michelson, the university announced today.

USC President C.L. Max Nikias is expected to take part in a late-morning groundbreaking ceremony for the USC Michelson Center for Convergent Bioscience, which will house laboratories, a Center for Electron Microscopy and Analysis and microscopy imaging technology facilities.

University officials said researchers will use the facility “to generate the bioscience discoveries that build a better, healthier future.”

Among those researchers will be two Scripps scientists — Raymond C. Stevens and Peter Kuhn — who will move their labs to the university and bring about 50 researchers with them. Stevens will serve as USC’s provost professor of biological sciences and chemistry, while Kuhn will be the dean’s professor of biological sciences at the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and
Sciences.

“Ray Stevens and Peter Kuhn are among the world’s most influential biomedical scientists, whose research on molecular structures and processes have led to important advances in medical treatments and pharmaceutical drugs,” USC Provost Elizabeth Garrett said. “Their arrival enhances USC’s leadership in creating consequential research at the intersection of science and engineering.”

According to the university, Stevens has pioneered research into human cellular behavior. He has also helped create therapeutic molecules that led to breakthrough drugs for conditions ranging from influenza to childhood diseases to neuromuscular disorders to diabetes. Stevens has founded four biotechnology companies and three National Institute of Health centers.

“We came to USC because of the opportunity to converge the sciences and dramatically increase our understanding of the structure and function of the human body at the atomic scale,” Stevens said. “USC has the world’s number-one cinematic arts school, including expertise in digital art, which we think will be critical to bridging scientific and engineering disciplines.”

Kuhn is the co-director of an NIH Physical Sciences Oncology Center, working to learn more about how cancer spreads through the body. He also led the invention of a method for detecting and characterizing cancer cells with a simple blood test. At Scripps, he established the translational science program, and he previously served as a physics professor at Stanford.

“USC unites the best of the best, who all align on the vision of improving human health with scientific breakthroughs and bring outstanding scientific competencies to the table to make this vision a reality,” Kuhn said.

Related Posts

A Season of Gratitude: After One Year in Business, Urban Jungle Continues Making its Mark

June 2, 2025

June 2, 2025

Over the last year, Urban Jungle, an indoor and tropical plants nursery, has continued its mission to cultivate a place...

The soul’s greatest hits

June 2, 2025

June 2, 2025

From ‘Ave Maria’ to ‘Hallelujah Chorus’ and ‘Ode to Joy,” a Santa Monica concert raising funds to help fire victims...

LAPD Increases Security at Jewish Sites Following Colorado Flamethrower Attack

June 2, 2025

June 2, 2025

Officials Ramp Up Patrols and Plan Emergency Response as Shavuot Concludes. Security outside Jewish institutions in Los Angeles has been...

The Peabody Awards Celebrate Bold Storytelling and Social Impact at Beverly Hills Gala

June 2, 2025

June 2, 2025

Honorees Including Baby Reindeer, Shōgun, and The Only Doctor at In-Person Ceremony The Peabody Awards held their awards ceremony Sunday...

Chamber Music Palisades Presents an Afternoon of Beethoven, Brahms, Debussy, and More

June 2, 2025

June 2, 2025

Brentwood Hosts Free Classical Concert with LA Philharmonic Greats Chamber Music Palisades will present a free community concert on Saturday,...

Massive Fire Engulfs Auto Shop, Shuts Down 10 Freeway Eastbound Lanes

June 2, 2025

June 2, 2025

Explosions, Thick Smoke, and Downed Power Lines Disrupt Traffic in Palms A fast-moving fire broke out Sunday behind a commercial...

Alpine Floor & Home: A Legacy of Quality Since 1968

June 2, 2025

June 2, 2025

Founded in 1968 with a single location, Alpine Floor & Home began as a humble family business with a clear...

Chin Chin to Close West Hollywood Location After 45 Years of Service

June 2, 2025

June 2, 2025

Iconic Sunset Plaza Restaurant Announces Final Day of Operations Chin Chin, the iconic Chinese eatery that has been a fixture...

LACMA’s $700M David Geffen Galleries to Open in 2026

June 2, 2025

June 2, 2025

New Structure Will Replace Original Midcentury Buildings Construction crews are entering the final stretch on the David Geffen Galleries, a...

Criterion Mobile Closet Arrives in L.A. for Two-Day Stop at Santa Monica’s Aero Theatre

June 2, 2025

June 2, 2025

More Than 1,000 Classic Titles June 6–7 During American Cinematheque’s Bleak Week  Following its successful appearances at SXSW and Vidiots...

Lane Closures Return to PCH in Malibu for Fire Recovery and Emergency Repairs

June 1, 2025

June 1, 2025

Traffic Will Be Impacted as Caltrans and the USACE Conduct Cleanup  The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has announced updated...

Update: Police Non-Emergency Line Temporarily Down Due to Service Outage in Culver City

June 1, 2025

June 1, 2025

Emergency 9-1-1 Services Remain Active; Alternate Numbers are Available  UPDATE – Monday, June 2 at 7:25 am The Culver City...

Culver City to Frame Iconic Tree with Landmark Sculpture by Charles Gaines

June 1, 2025

June 1, 2025

Acclaimed Conceptual Artist’s Public Artwork Enters Final Phase Culver City is moving forward with the final phase of an ambitious...

Defensible Space, Defined: How A Plus Tree Protects Communities from Wildfire

May 30, 2025

May 30, 2025

In the wildfire-prone landscapes of the Western United States, safeguarding homes and communities requires proactive measures. A Plus Tree, a...

WeHo Pride Weekend Begins and 2025 Icons Announced: Parades, Concerts, and Community Celebration Kicks Off

May 30, 2025

May 30, 2025

Three-Day LGBTQ+ Festival Features Performances by Lizzo, Maren Morris, and Kim Petras West Hollywood is preparing to kick off its...