In Memoriam: Susan Thompson, PhD, 1958 – 2026
Post Date: July 22, 2026 | Publish Date:
It is with heartfelt sadness that we share the passing of Susan Thompson, PhD, a pioneering scientist, mentor and internationally recognized leader in the Division of Rheumatology at Cincinnati Children’s. Thompson passed away peacefully on June 30, 2026, at the age of 67.
For more than 30 years, Thompson dedicated her career to advancing the understanding of childhood autoimmune diseases, particularly juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Her groundbreaking research transformed the field of pediatric rheumatology, while her generosity, humility and commitment to mentoring left a lasting impact on generations of scientists and physician-investigators.
A PIONEERING CAREER IN PEDIATRIC RHEUMATOLOGY
Thompson joined Cincinnati Children’s in 1994 following research training at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis and the University of Cincinnati. She began her career in the Division of Rheumatology and later became a member of the Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Etiology. She rose through the faculty ranks to become a full professor and was named Professor Emerita in 2023.
Throughout her distinguished career, Thompson was recognized internationally for defining the genetic basis of juvenile idiopathic arthritis and other childhood autoimmune diseases. Her research helped identify susceptibility genes, biomarkers and molecular pathways associated with disease severity and treatment response, laying the foundation for more precise approaches to diagnosis and treatment.
She also advanced the use of gene-expression profiling and molecular classification of pediatric rheumatic diseases while leading international collaborations that resulted in publications in several Nature journals. Her work has been cited more than 9,800 times, reflecting its enduring influence on pediatric autoimmune disease research.
From 2002 to 2022, Thompson served as principal investigator of the NIAMS-funded Cincinnati Rheumatic Disease Core Center, helping expand and strengthen the pediatric rheumatology research community at Cincinnati Children’s. She also directed the Pediatric Rheumatology Tissue Repository from 1996 to 2022, building it into the world’s largest biorepository dedicated to childhood rheumatic diseases. Through her leadership in the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA), she became the founding director of the CARRA Biobank, helping establish a resource that now supports the largest longitudinal study of childhood rheumatic diseases in North America.
While her scientific achievements were extraordinary, colleagues remember Thompson just as vividly for her kindness, generosity and unwavering commitment to helping others succeed.
“Sue Thompson was an internationally recognized expert in the genetics related to the risk and pathogenesis of a variety of rheumatic diseases in children,” says Rheumatology’s associate director, Daniel Lovell, MD, MPH. “She made some of the earliest observations in children with JIA and led numerous international collaborations that advanced the field. But what I will remember most is that she was extremely kind, supportive and patient. She was always willing to help others understand the science, advance their research and improve our understanding of childhood rheumatic diseases.”
A MENTOR TO GENERATIONS OF SCIENTISTS
Thompson’s influence extended far beyond her own laboratory. She devoted countless hours to mentoring undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, rheumatology fellows and junior faculty at Cincinnati Children’s and across the country. Many of today’s leaders in pediatric rheumatology credit her guidance, encouragement and willingness to share both her expertise and her scientific resources.
“Sue was a scientific leader whose impact extended far beyond her own discoveries,” says Leah Kottyan, PhD, research director, Division of Allergy and Immunology. “She built programs, collaborations and communities, but just as importantly, she lifted up the people around her. For many of us, especially women in science, Sue modeled what it meant to lead with both excellence and generosity. She made space for others to grow, to be heard and to succeed.”
In 2023, Thompson was honored with CARRA’s Outstanding Service Award in recognition of her decades of leadership and contributions to pediatric rheumatology research. She also was the first woman appointed to the faculty of Cincinnati Children’s Division of Rheumatology, helping pave the way for future generations of women in science.
Outside the laboratory, Thompson was an avid traveler who explored six continents with family and friends. She was immensely proud of her daughters, Lauren and Sarah, and cherished the time she spent supporting them throughout their educational journeys.
Thompson’s scientific legacy will continue through the discoveries she made, the research infrastructure she helped build and the many investigators whose careers she shaped through her mentorship. Her colleagues, collaborators and friends will remember her not only as an exceptional scientist, but as a compassionate leader whose humility and generosity enriched everyone fortunate enough to know her.
MEMORIAL INFORMATION
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Childhood Arthritis & Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA), supporting the future of pediatric rheumatology research in honor of Thompson’s lifelong commitment to improving the lives of children with autoimmune disease.
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The Research Horizons blog features news and insights about the latest discoveries and innovations developed by the scientists of Cincinnati Children's. This blog does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Email researchnews@cchmc.org with questions or ideas.
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