CO-HOSTED BY:
The NFCR Global Summit is where the brightest minds from across the cancer research ecosystem unite to shape the future of the fight against cancer. This unique event is more than just a conference—it’s a dynamic think tank where groundbreaking ideas are sparked through organic, unscripted discussions. New partnerships form every year, collaborations are strengthened, and impactful action plans are created.
With a focus on cutting-edge topics like Precision Medicine, AI in cancer research, and advances in early detection, the 2025 summit promises to drive transformative breakthroughs in cancer treatment. Attendees don’t just listen—they lead, influencing the future of cancer research and potentially changing the course of the battle against cancer.
Schedule Overview
8:30 AM: Part I: Precision Medicine & AI in Oncology (Sessions: AI in Cancer Research – from Discovery to Societal Impact, AI in Cancer Diagnosis and Management, AI in Early Detection and Prevention)
1:00 PM: Part II: AIM-HI Oncology Leadership & Entrepreneurship Forum
4:00 – 6:00 PM: Intermission
6:00 PM: Dinner & Szent-Györgyi Prize Award Ceremony
Honoree
Dr. Tony Hunter
Salk Institute for Biological Studies
2025 Szent-Györgyi Prize for Progress in Cancer Research Winner
Keynote
Dr. Monica Bertagnolli
17th Director of the National Institutes of Health
Senior Fellow in Healthcare Policy, Harvard Kennedy School of Government
Testimonials
“The NFCR Global Summit is a different kind of meeting, which is what makes it so impactful. It's an immersive experience. It's where top global leaders, from all areas in cancer, all brainstorm together to develop next-level new approaches and form new partnerships. The spirit of this meeting is very uplifting.”
-Drew Pardoll, MD, PhD, Johns Hopkins University
Drew Pardoll, MD, PhD“I was very impressed by everything I heard. I found the presented research to be of really high quality and very innovative. This is very refreshing, and, in my opinion, sets AIM-HI and NFCR apart in a very good way.”
-Isidore Rigoutsos, Ph.D., Director, Center for Computational Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University
Isidore Rigoutsos, Ph.D.“Let me state right at the beginning that if I don’t attend another great conference for the next few years, I will not mind it because of what I was just given the opportunity to attend. Thank you very much for giving me such a prominent slot in the morning panel among some incredible women in the field. It was a humbling experience to be in the company of so many outstanding and accomplished. Congratulations on organizing a totally mind-blowing NFCR Global Summit and collecting a constellation of shining stars under one roof for several days! Besides the talks and panel discussions, the opportunity to network and exchange ideas with others was deeply appreciated. I also loved the way you mixed hard science, heartbreaking oncology stories, and glamorous dinners.”
-Azra Raza, M.D., Chan Soon-Shiong Professor of Medicine, Columbia University in New York
Azra Raza, M.D.“Absolutely wonderful, inspirational meeting…thanks so much to everyone involved and to NFCR for making it possible for us to get together. I am grateful to be included!”
- Monica Bertagnolli, M.D.
Monica Bertagnolli, M.D.“The Women’s Leadership Forum was spectacular and the chemistry between all of the people on the podium and the energy was wonderful. It was inspirational to all and especially young women who were there and might have been watching.”
-Dr. Raju Kucherlapati
Dr. Raju KucherlapatiSponsorship Opportunities
Inquiries regarding sponsorship of our Global Summit and Award Ceremonies for Cancer Research & Entrepreneurship event can be made to Executive Director, Brian Wachtel by e-mail at Bwachtel@nfcr.org or by phone at 1-800-321-CURE (2873). Learn more in our sponsorship packet.
A Cutting-edge Cancer Research Conference Featuring Leading Cancer Scientists, Entrepreneurs, Investors, Business Leaders, & Advocates. Download the Full Program >>>
FULL EVENT DETAILS
Details are Subject to Change
Part I: Precision Medicine & AI in Oncology
8:30 AM – 8:40 AM:
Welcome Remarks:
Sujuan Ba, Ph.D. CEO of NFCR and Co-Founder of AIM-HI Accelerator Fund
Web Cavenee, Ph.D. Chair of the Scientific Advisor Board of NFCR and UCSD Distinguished Professor
8:40 AM – 9:10 AM:
Keynote Address:
Monica Bertagnolli, M.D., 17th Director of the National Institutes of Health; Senior Fellow in Healthcare Policy, Harvard Kennedy School of Government
9:10 AM – 10:10 AM:
Session I: AI in Cancer Research – from Discovery to Societal Impact
Moderator: Kornelia Polyak, M.D., Ph.D., Dana Farber
Panelists:
Alexander Anderson, Ph.D., Moffitt Cancer Center
Jeffrey Golden, M.D., Cedars Sinai Medical Center
Bruce Johnson, M.D., Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Dan Theodorescu, M.D., Ph.D., University of Arizona
10:10 AM – 10:30 AM:
Coffee Break
10:30 AM – 11:30 AM:
Session II: AI in Cancer Diagnosis and Management
Moderator: Jennifer Grandis, M.D., UCSF
Panelists:
Maximilian Diehn, M.D., Ph.D., Stanford University
Ruijiang Li, Ph.D., Stanford University
Paul Macklin, Ph.D., Indiana University
Kun-Hsing Yu, M.D., Ph.D., Harvard University
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM:
Session III: AI in Early Detection and Prevention
Moderator: Nathan Lear, AstraZeneca
Panelists:
Ludmil Alexandrov, Ph.D., UCSD Bioengineering
Lisa Coussens, Ph.D., Oregon Health & Science University
Elana Fertig, Ph.D., University of Maryland School of Medicine
Sam Hanash, M.D., Ph.D., MD Anderson
12:30 PM:
Break and Lunch
Part II: AIM-HI Oncology Leadership Forum
Master of Ceremonies: Patty Obermaier, MBA
1:00 PM:
1:05 PM – 1:20 PM:
Welcoming Remarks
Master of Ceremony: Patty Obermaier, MBA, Founder & CEO of Resigility
From Idea to IND: Legal Building Blocks for a Biotech Startup
Catherine Pan-Giordano, Partner & Corporate Group Head, New York Office, Dorsey & Whitney
1:20 PM – 1:30 PM:
AIM-HI Venture Competition Award Ceremony
Dr. Pamela Garzone, Chief Development Officer of Anixa Biosciences, & Dr. Dimitra Georganopoulou, General Partner of Qral Ventures, co-chairs of the Venture Competition Investment Committee, presenting the Award Certificates to the Winners
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM:
Emerging Oncology Companies Showcase:
Moderator: Ron DePinho, M.D., MD Anderson
Presentations:
Michelle Arkin, Ph.D., ResNovas Therapeutics
Kirsten Flowers, MBA, Chiara Biosciences
Rick Fultz, Acurion
Chih-Kao Hu, Ph.D., Window Therapeutics
2:30 PM – 2:50 PM:
Coffee Break
Part III: Early-Stage Oncology Companies and Investor’s Perspective
2:50 PM – 3:50 PM:
Investors’ Perspectives for Early-Stage Oncology Companies
Moderator: Matt Tremblay, Ph.D., Blackbird
Panelists:
Mey Boukenna, M.D., Ph.D., Vice President, Pags Group
Cynthia Cai, Ph.D., MBA, Venture Partner, Viva BioInnovator; President, Tharton Consulting
Dimitra Georganopoulou, Ph.D., General Partner of Qral Ventures
Jimmy Lu, MBA, J.D., Co-Founder & Managing Director, Eos Bioinnovation
3:50 PM – 4:00 PM:
Closing Remarks – Matt Tremblay, Ph.D.
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM:
Intermission Break
Part III: Dinner & Szent-Györgyi Prize Award Ceremony
Honoring Tony Hunter, Ph.D. (Black-tie Optional)
6:00 PM – 6:55PM:
7:00 PM – 7:30 PM:
7:30 PM – 8:55 PM:
Cocktail Reception
Emcee: Kristen Berset-Harris
Opening Remarks by Sujuan Ba, Ph.D., CEO of NFCR, Co-Founder of AIM-HI & Founder of AFCR, Co-Chair of 2025 Szent-Györgyi Prize Selection Committee
Introduction of 2025 Szent-Györgyi Prize Winner: Dennis J. Slamon, M.D., Ph.D., Professor of Medicine, Director of Clinical and Translational Research, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
Award Presentation of the 2025 Szent-Györgyi Prize Winner: Tony Hunter, Ph.D. American Cancer Society Professor, Salk Institute for Biological Studies
Panel Discussion Live from Press Club:
Anna D. Barker, Ph.D., Chief Strategy Officer, Ellison Medical Institute
Thomas Clark, Cancer Patient Caregiver & Cancer Research Supporter
Alison Dziarmaga, Ph.D., Vice President, US Franchise Head, Breast Cancer, AstraZeneca
Jennifer Grandis, M.D., Professor of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, University of California, San Francisco
Tony Hunter, Ph.D., American Cancer Society Professor, Salk Institute for Biological Studies
8:45 PM:
Closing Remarks – Kristen Berset-Harris
