Irvine, Calif., Feb. 20, 2025 — The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation has named Lauren Albrecht, University of California, Irvine assistant professor of pharmaceutical sciences, a Sloan Research Fellow for her innovative work in cell and chemical biology. She is one of 126 early-career scientists to be recognized this year by the foundation as next-generation leaders.
Albrecht’s research explores how cells regulate protein function and degradation through methylation – a process previously overlooked in lysosomal proteolysis. This discovery has the potential to reshape our understanding of cell signaling and protein homeostasis, with implications from genetic heart disease to new therapeutic strategies.
In his letter recommending Albrecht to the Sloan Foundation, Andrej Luptak, UC Irvine professor and chair of pharmaceutical sciences, said: “Lauren is an exceptional scientist who is addressing fundamental questions in cell and chemical biology. Her work has been shown to be broadly relevant in multiple systems, including genetic heart disease, highlighting the impact of her findings.”
In addition, Albrecht is deeply committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, supporting Ph.D. students through the Diverse Educational Community and Doctoral Experience program.
“Lauren exemplifies the mission of the Sloan Research Fellowship Award,” Luptak said. “Her pioneering work and dedication to mentorship continue to push the boundaries of scientific exploration, promising exciting contribution to both research and education.”
Bestowed on promising young scientists in the U.S. and Canada, Sloan Research Fellowships provide recipients $75,000 for two years to be used at their discretion for equipment and laboratory improvements, conference travel expenses, paying staff and data services. Among the most competitive and prestigious awards available to early-career researchers, they are often seen as indicative of the quality of an institution’s faculty and proof of success in attracting the most promising junior researchers to its ranks.
Since UC Irvine was founded in 1965, 65 of its faculty have received Sloan Research Fellowships, including this year’s recipient.
About the University of California, Irvine: Founded in 1965, UC Irvine is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and is ranked among the nation’s top 10 public universities by U.S. News & World Report . The campus has produced five Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UC Irvine has more than 36,000 students and offers 224 degree programs. It’s located in one of the world’s safest and most economically vibrant communities and is Orange County’s second-largest employer, contributing $7 billion annually to the local economy and $8 billion statewide. For more on UC Irvine, visit www.uci.edu .
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