Since 1972, professor and chairman emeritus Richard Ulevitch, PhD, has had an outsized impact on Scripps Research and the Department of Immunology and Microbiology. His research into the innate immune system has transformed our understanding of how the body responds to infections and chronic human disease. Even further, his work as chairman of the department ensured that his colleagues were fully supported in conducting their research.
Ulevitch retired from Scripps Research in December 2024, celebrating more than 50 years of scientific discovery at the institute—work that will continue to shape the trajectory of immunology and the campus for decades to come.
“In my view, Scripps Research was formed in a unique fashion and still is the perfect model for a biomedical research institute. During my time here, I watched the growth from its origins at 505 Coast Blvd. in downtown La Jolla to the extensive Torrey Pines Campus,” says Ulevitch. “Scripps led the way by showing the importance of partnerships between academic institutions and the pharmaceutical and biotechnology world. Always keeping in mind, the common goal of delivering world-class science leading to new medicines.
“I can look back on my contributions as a faculty member and as chairman of the Department of Immunology and Microbiology being both proud and gratified to be part of this pioneering and exemplary effort.”
Ulevitch’s legacy was cemented by his family—his wife, Susan, and their children, Annie and David—whose recent donation to Scripps Research created The Richard J. Ulevitch Classroom in the Department of Immunology and Microbiology, a permanent space that will foster scientific education and advances by the next generation of immunologists. The family’s gift will also support the areas of greatest need for the institute.
Ulevitch’s daughter, Annie, says the gift serves as a testament to her father’s dedication to the shared goal at Scripps Research: to benefit the health of everyone across the globe.
“We are all proud of my father for the example he set of a career that is dedicated to an idea and goal bigger than himself,” Annie says. “We are honored and grateful to provide support for the Richard J. Ulevitch Classroom as a living legacy to his exemplary tenure at Scripps Research.”
At Scripps Research, the Ulevitch lab studied the molecular mechanisms behind the innate immune system’s response to infection and chronic, human disease—research that has broadened our understanding of immunity and disease, microbial pathogens and cell biology. His work also provided critical insights into sepsis, the body’s inflammatory response to a severe infection, when his lab discovered how a key protein could dramatically increase resistance to sepsis. These findings all help support potential therapeutic discoveries in the future.
His wife, Susan, adds, “Scripps Research was good to Richard and he was good to Scripps.”
He left his chairman role in 2008 to become a venture partner at 5AM Ventures, a venture capital company focused on seed and early-stage investments in life sciences companies. Ulevitch continued to be a professor at the institute and at the same time helped 5AM start multiple biotechnology companies that provided new medicines.
Ulevitch’s work ethic and tireless passion over the last half-century were qualities to behold for his son, David. He recalls the several instances of going to work with his dad and admiring the incredible science that he and his colleagues were responsible for at the institute.
“Many people know my father as a terrific scientist and intellect, which he is, but I know him as a steadfast example of what it means to lead and live with integrity and a clear set of values,” David says. “His career at Scripps started before I was born and ends long after I left home as an adult, and I remember visiting my dad at the office frequently and admiring the amazing work that takes place at Scripps and the incredible people that fill its halls. I hope that a classroom bearing my dad’s name will provide a home for learning and science for decades to come.”
Like his research, Ulevitch’s name is now intertwined with the department he led and its future.
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