$1 Million Gift to Establish an Endowed Fund Supports Annual Human Milk Institute Symposium
The Kohlberg Johnson Family Human Milk Institute Symposium is designed to be a destination for experts and the community alike.
The Human Milk Institute (HMI) at UC San Diego is on the forefront of global research dedicated to better understanding the nature, biology and public health implications of breastfeeding and human milk.
A $1 million gift created an endowed fund to support the annual HMI symposium, known as the Kohlberg Johnson Family Human Milk Institute Symposium, bringing together some of the world’s leading breastfeeding and human milk experts for knowledge exchange, strategic planning and visioning.
“We are profoundly grateful for this visionary gift that will forever transform the way we convene experts together with the community,”
said Lars Bode, professor of pediatrics and founding director of the Human Milk Institute. “At HMI, we strive to discuss and advance breastfeeding and human milk related topics not detached from, but together with, the community we live in. That’s where it matters the most.”
The endowed fund provides support in perpetuity to help cover costs related to the symposium and to ensure it is accessible and affordable for trainees — including undergraduates, graduate students, researchers and educators — as well as interested community members.
A $1 million gift established an endowed fund to support the Kohlberg Johnson Family Human Milk Institute Symposium. The annual event brings together some of the world's leading breastfeeding and human milk experts, those training in the field, and members of the community.
“We envision a future where human milk is the first and critical foundation for human life with equitable access to better health for the global community,” said Mitra Hooshmand, PhD, executive director of HMI.
“Endowments like this are a critical component in expanding the institute and making it programmatically and financially sustainable for meaningful and lasting societal impact. Gifts to endowed funds are truly a gift to society.”
Next year’s Kohlberg Johnson Family Human Milk Institute Symposium is already set for March 4 – 6, 2025.
