Steven M Dubinett

Steven M. Dubinett is Director of the UCLA Clinical & Translational Science Institute, Associate Vice Chancellor, and Senior Associate Dean for Translational Research at the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine. He holds professorships in Medicine, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, and Molecular and Medical Pharmacology. Dr. Dubinett oversees the translation of UCLA biomedical discoveries into medical products and health interventions, integrating research infrastructure through the CTSI. Previously, he chaired the Executive Committee of UC Biomedical Research Acceleration, Integration, and Development (UC BRAID), which integrates clinical and translational research across the University of California system.

• MD: Rutgers New Jersey Medical School (1980)
• Internship: University Hospital, Newark (1981)
• Residency: UCLA (1983)
• Chief Resident: UCLA (1984)
• Fellowship: Massachusetts General Hospital (Pulmonary Medicine, 1988)
• Resident Fellow: Harvard Medical School (Tumor Immunology, 1988)

Dr. Dubinett's research focuses on the immunobiology of lung cancer, with particular emphasis on understanding inflammation and immunity in lung cancer pathogenesis. His laboratory has developed translational research programs that bridge basic discoveries to clinical applications, particularly in non-small cell lung cancer. His work spans from molecular mechanisms of tumor microenvironment regulation to clinical implementation of novel diagnostics and therapeutics. He has pioneered research on exosome-mediated metastasis, dendritic cell vaccines, and biomarker development for early lung cancer detection.

Analysis of Dr. Dubinett's recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on lung cancer interception strategies, tumor microenvironment characterization, and novel immunotherapeutic approaches. His work increasingly integrates multi-omics approaches, single-cell technologies, and liquid biopsy development to understand lung cancer evolution from premalignant stages. His research bridges basic molecular mechanisms with clinical applications, particularly in developing non-invasive diagnostics and combination immunotherapies.

• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs 2019 William S. Middleton Award
• American Lung Association 2019 Lung Force Honoree
• Barlow Respiratory Hospital 2014 Medical Excellence Award
• American Thoracic Society Recognition Award for Scientific Accomplishments (2008)
• The Stanley Blatt Award for Lung Cancer Research (1999)

Dr. Dubinett has trained more than 45 graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, and junior faculty, nearly all of whom have continued in academic or industry research careers. His research program is supported by numerous NIH grants including multiple R01s, P50 SPORE grants, and U01/U24 projects. As Director of the UCLA CTSI, he oversees a $69.6 million Clinical and Translational Science Award that supports infrastructure for translational research. He has served as Principal Investigator on numerous projects focused on lung cancer biomarkers, early detection, and novel therapeutics, including a Phase I trial of intratumoral dendritic cell vaccines.

Dr. Dubinett leads the UCLA Lung Cancer Biomarker Development Laboratory and serves as Chair of the Research Evaluation Panel for biospecimen utilization for the American College of Radiology Imaging Network/National Lung Screening Trial. His research team employs advanced genomic, proteomic, and imaging technologies to characterize lung cancer development from premalignant stages through metastatic disease. The laboratory maintains extensive collaborations with both basic science and clinical investigators across UCLA and the broader University of California system.