Lupus Foundation of America Celebrates Research Advancements at 20th Anniversary Event

On October 27, 2025, the Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) hosted a remarkable event to mark the 20th Anniversary of the Evelyn V. Hess Reception, recognizing outstanding achievements in lupus research. This prestigious occasion took place alongside the annual American College of Rheumatology Convergence in Chicago, where leading figures in rheumatology gathered to share their insights and advancements.

During the reception, Dr. Karen Costenbader was awarded the 2025 Evelyn V. Hess Award, a coveted honor given to a clinical or basic scientist whose work has significantly contributed to our understanding and treatment of lupus. Dr. Costenbader serves as a professor of medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and directs the largest lupus center in New England. Throughout her career, she has focused on the influences of environmental, social, behavioral, and genetic factors on lupus. Her research sheds light on how conditions such as PTSD, alcohol use, and childhood trauma can contribute to the disease's onset.

Dr. Costenbader expressed her admiration for the award's historical significance, saying, “To be recognized alongside such distinguished investigators is humbling. I am passionate about understanding the causes and risk factors for lupus.” Through her efforts, Dr. Costenbader has not only nurtured future researchers but has also made substantial strides in identifying patients at high risk for developing lupus. She holds significant NIH funding and has contributed to important lupus research initiatives led by the LFA.

In addition to Dr. Costenbader's accolades, the event also recognized Dr. Andrea Fava from Johns Hopkins University, who received the 2025 Mary Betty Stevens Young Investigator Prize for his groundbreaking work in lupus translational research. Dr. Fava, an assistant professor and director of lupus translational research at Johns Hopkins, focuses on identifying urinary biomarkers that can non-invasively indicate renal activity in patients with lupus nephritis. His efforts aim to enhance clinical decision-making and advance “liquid biopsy” methods for treatment and monitoring of the disease.

“Receiving the Mary Betty Stevens Young Investigator Prize is a great honor,” said Dr. Fava. “Dr. Stevens was a pioneer in lupus care and research, and being acknowledged with an award in her name is both humbling and motivating.” Dr. Fava has garnered substantial research funding to further his efforts in tackling lupus and its complexities, which remain significant for countless patients.

The evening celebrated many leaders in the field of lupus research and related advances. Dr. Diane Kamen was awarded the Medical-Scientific Advisory Council Member of the Year for her decade-long commitment to enhancing the LFA's research and education initiatives. The inaugural Lupus Science and Medicine® Paper of the Year award was given to Dr. Laura Patricia Whittall-Garcia and her team for their impactful research on biomarkers predicting lupus nephritis outcomes.

As the ceremony marked two decades of excellence, it honored the contributions of numerous previous Evelyn V. Hess awardees whose collective work has propelled lupus research forward, significantly improving patient care and outcomes. The LFA, as the leading patient advocacy organization dedicated to combating lupusthe disease, continues to aim for breakthroughs that enhance the quality of life for those living with it.

For anyone interested in supporting or learning more about lupus research and advocacy, the Lupus Foundation of America encourages involvement through donations, volunteer efforts, and community outreach. More information can be found on their website, lupus.org.

This year's event not only celebrated the past achievements of lupus research but also paved the way for a hopeful future, cultivating a strong foundation for continued advancements that will ultimately improve the lives of all impacted by this challenging condition.