GrassrootsHealth Presents the Inaugural Baggerly-Garland Awards Ceremony and Press Conference
Honoring Pioneers in Vitamin D Research
Edward D. Gorham, MPH, PhD
William B. Grant, PhD
Joan M. Lappe, PhD, RN, FAAN
Presented on World Vitamin D Day at
Goldberg Auditorium at Moores Cancer Center
at the University of California San Diego
On November 2, 2026 / 11am PT
Join us for a conversation with special guest speakers about vitamin D and its role in disease prevention. Enjoy healthy snacks and refreshments, and help us honor these pioneers in vitamin D research.
About the Event
On November 2, 2026 — World Vitamin D Day — GrassrootsHealth will present the inaugural Baggerly-Garland Vitamin D Scientist Awards, recognizing pioneering scientists whose research has advanced our understanding of vitamin D, UVB exposure, and cancer prevention.
The inaugural awards honor Dr. Edward D. Gorham, Dr. William B. Grant, and Dr. Joan Lappe for their groundbreaking contributions to vitamin D and cancer research. The awards also honor the legacies of Carole Baggerly, founder of GrassrootsHealth, and Dr. Frank C. Garland, whose vision, persistence, and commitment helped transform the scientific conversation surrounding vitamin D and cancer prevention.
The awards will be presented during a press event in San Diego, with participation available both in person and virtually.
Sponsor & Partner
The inaugural Baggerly-Garland Vitamin D Scientist Awards are made possible through the generous sponsorship of Solius Labs, whose support helps GrassrootsHealth recognize scientists who have made significant contributions to vitamin D research and public health.
GrassrootsHealth is also proud to partner with the Helen Knoll Foundation to help expand awareness of the role of vitamin D and related research in breast health and breast cancer prevention, and to bring these important findings to a broader public audience.
Event Details
Date: Monday, November 2, 2026 — World Vitamin D Day
Time: 11:00 AM Pacific Time
Venue: Goldberg Auditorium, Moores Cancer Center at UC San Diego Health
Location: 3855 Health Sciences Drive, San Diego, CA, United States
Attendance: In person and virtual
Media Contacts
Jen Aliano, MS
Executive Director, GrassrootsHealth
jen@grassrootshealth.org
(760) 710-9305
Celia Young
Media / Public Relations Contact
celia@diteam.com
(760) 208-8184
Marketing & Press Partnerships
Interested in expanding awareness of this event and the scientists and research they are honoring? Join us as a marketing or press partner! All materials are included in the Press Kit Here.
What’s Included in The Press Kit
Press Releases — Announcement and background on the inaugural awards (posted just prior to the dates of release)
Stat Sheets — Key research findings and statistics related to vitamin D, sunlight/UVB exposure, and cancer/breast cancer prevention, recurrence, and mortality
Quote Sheet — Approved quotes from the award recipients and GrassrootsHealth leadership
Recipient Bios — Short and extended biographies of the award recipients
Recipient & Organization Photos — High-resolution headshots, GrassrootsHealth logos, award graphics, and related images
Event Photos — High-resolution photographs from the November 2 awards event, added following the ceremony (posted after the event)
Key Citations — Published research supporting the scientific work recognized by the awards
Social Media Kit — Suggested posts and shareable graphics for media partners, organizations, institutions, and supporters (additional materials added throughout the month)
All materials in the folder are free to use for media and editorial coverage.
For interviews, additional research materials, high-resolution images, or other media requests, please contact Jen Aliano or Celia Young using the information above.
