Translational research is a phrase we use often. But what does it mean, and how do Houston Methodist teams work to accelerate it? You might picture a highway that runs from a scientist’s “lightbulb moment” to a new therapy’s approval for general use. Along the way, the therapy must stop in the research lab, navigate the twists and turns of clinical trials, and survive a maze of regulatory reviews and approvals. Traditionally, this journey takes years or even decades. At Houston Methodist, our goal is to expedite the process. Thanks to a gift from The Cockrell Foundation, we’re one step closer. By funding new training programs in the Cockrell Center for Advanced Therapeutics, the gift strengthens the core of an integrated research hub that includes state-of-the-art research facilities, onsite cell therapeutics manufacturing and expert clinical trial management — streamlining the route from the researcher’s bench to the patient's bedside. I hope you’ll take a moment to read more. Also featured in this issue of Leading are updates on our philanthropy-driven work in protein engineering, clinical and surgical education, and planned giving that ensures care for future generations. In addition, we highlight a first-of-its-kind collaboration with Texas Children’s Hospital made possible by support from The Fondren Foundation. We’re thrilled that this partnership will safeguard continuity of care for young adults living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). You’ll find this story here. Speaking of partnerships, I’d like to take a moment to offer our heartfelt appreciation to Johnny Johnson, who stepped down as chair of the Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation Board of Directors in January. We sincerely thank Johnny for more than a decade of steadfast leadership and welcome our new chair, Gerald Smith. As we settle into 2026, I am honored to share that our phenomenal community gave more than $121 million in 2025 to support our endeavors in translational research, medical education, patient care and community service. Words alone are insufficient to express the gratitude of our physicians, scientists and other caregivers for such generosity. We thank you and remain deeply committed to stewarding your gifts in shared service of our mission.

Flynn A. Andrizzi, PhD President and CEO Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation