Forum for Discovery is JAX's annual event that brings together leading researchers focused on genomic solutions for critical health challenges, while also expressing gratitude to those who support these efforts.
Forum for Discovery is JAX's annual event that brings together leading researchers focused on genomic solutions for critical health challenges, while also expressing gratitude to those who support these efforts.
Jul
16
2026
Step into the future of science at JAX’s annual Forum for Discovery where we showcase our groundbreaking research and bold ideas to tackle today’s biggest health challenges and shape a healthier tomorrow.
This year's program opens with a State of the Laboratory update from JAX's President and CEO, Lon Cardon, who will highlight how JAX is adapting, innovating and advancing its mission in a rapidly evolving landscape.
You will hear how the JAX's acquisition of The New York Stem Cell Foundation (NYSCF) is powering a next-generation research platform. Daniel Paull, Ph.D., scientific director, JAX-NYSCF, and Matt Mahoney, Ph.D., principal computational scientist, will highlight how this unification accelerating discovery and setting a new standard for scalable, human-relevant biomedical research. CARDIOVERSE represents the next major leap enabled by this integration, leveraging NYSCF’s stem cell technologies and JAX’s computational expertise to build virtual human hearts that can predict cardiotoxicity in drugs before testing them on patients. The result is one of the most ambitious predictive-modeling platforms in biomedical research, poised to transform how new therapies are developed.
Hear firsthand how the Maine Cancer Genomics Initiative (MCGI) is closing the gaps in cancer care through the voices of those closest to it, MCGI Medical Director, Jens Rueter, Oncologist Dr. Philip Brooks and cancer survivor, Cora Fahy. Their shared story underscores the power of collaboration between patients, physicians, and global experts to ensure every patient has access to the same cancer care – changing outcomes and delivering hope closer to home.
And as always, two of our 2026 Summer Student Program participants – driven by curiosity and excited by discovery – will share what it is like to spend a transformative summer immersed in research at JAX.
2:00 p.m. | Opening remarks
Christine Lin Egli, Vice President of Advancement
2:05 p.m. | State of the Laboratory
Lon Cardon, Ph.D., FMedSCi, President and Chief Executive Officer
2:25 p.m. | Session I: The New Era of Biomedical Research
Daniel Paull, Ph.D., Scientific Director, JAX-NYSCF and Vice President, Discovery & Platform Development
Matt Mahoney, Ph.D., Principal Computational Scientist
2:55 p.m. | BREAK
3:10 p.m. | Reflections on a summer at JAX
2026 Summer Students
3:25 p.m. | Session II: The Human Impact of the Maine Cancer Genomics Initiative – a Fireside Chat
Moderator: Christine Lin Egli
Jens Rueter, Ph.D., Chief Medical Officer, Medical Director, Maine Cancer Genomics Initiative Philip Brooks, M.D., Physician, Eastern Maine Medical Center Cancer Care
Cora Fahy, Patient Advocate and Cancer Survivor
4:00 p.m. | Closing remarks
Christine Lin Egli
4:05 p.m. | In-person networking reception
5:00 p.m. | Reception concludes
Questions? Contact [email protected].
Responsible for the Laboratory’s global vision, strategic direction, research and operations
Meet Lon
Leads JAX’s automated stem cell platform, advancing scalable discovery and collaboration.
Meet Daniel
Principal Computational Scientist
Machine learning for complex trait analysis.
Meet Matt
Physician, Eastern Maine Medical Center Cancer Care
Patient Advocate, Breast Cancer Survivor
