Advance your cancer research knowledge and skills
The JAX Cancer Short Course provides expert seminars and hands-on workshops focused on cancer research and experimental modeling. Topics include cancer cellular and molecular biology, PDX tumor models, systems and computational genetics, the tumor microenvironment and tumor progression, inflammation and immunotherapy, and health disparities.
Aug
6 - 14
2026
Join us for the 34th Annual Short Course on Experimental Models of Human Cancer — an essential training opportunity for postbacs, graduate students, postdocs and early career researchers eager to deepen their understanding and skills in cancer research.
This signature cancer training program at JAX combines expert-led seminars with hands-on workshops and computational sessions, providing a comprehensive survey of contemporary cancer research and experimental modeling.
The course schedule features daily lectures and afternoon workshops, offering ample opportunities for in-person attendees to pursue professional growth.
This course is intentionally designed to foster community and mentorship. Participants learn and network together in a focused setting that supports collaboration, career exploration and lasting professional connections.
A limited number of scholarships are available, providing up to $1,500 toward registration, along with reimbursable travel awards up to $500 to help offset the cost of flights, ground transportation or lodging.
Registration includes daily breakfast and lunch. Optional shared housing includes dinner service.
Need help securing support? Customize this sample justification letter to share with your PI, supervisor or department head.
A virtual format is available for those unable to travel and includes live‑streamed lectures, interactive Q&A, and access to recorded content. While virtual participants do not take part in workshops, poster sessions, or evening events, they remain connected to the scientific content and course community.
JAX employees interested in attending should contact the event planner for registration details.
This event is supported by the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number R25CA122819 and by funding to The Jackson Laboratory Cancer Center, Award Number P30CA034196. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.
"The intimate setting allowed me to build strong, long-lasting relationships with my peers and troubleshoot ideas with renowned scientists. It was an experience like no other, and I highly recommend any Ph.D. trainee attend."
— Graduate Student Researcher, University at Buffalo
Standard Registration Fee: $1,750
Optional Shared Lodging Fee: $750
Course/Workshop registration fees include all workshop materials, supplies, and most meals. Optional shared lodging at the College of the Atlantic is available on a first come first served basis. Your lodging and registration are not confirmed until payment has been received in full.
Are you an employee or trainee at JAX? Please reach out to Stefanie Roth ([email protected]) for information on registration options.
Subsidized, dormitory-style, shared lodging will be made available to attendees at the College of the Atlantic Residence Halls for an additional fee. Participants may check in on Thursday, August 6th at 3:00pm, and check out by 9am on August 15th. This lodging option is not available for families, early arrivals, or late checkouts.
College of the Atlantic (COA) offers comfortable, on-campus housing in a beautiful coastal setting. Residence halls provide simple accommodations within walking distance of downtown Bar Harbor, creating a convenient and community-oriented environment for course participants. COA’s campus overlooks Frenchman Bay and Acadia National Park, offering a peaceful, scenic setting. Shuttles are provided from College of the Atlantic to the course venue for the duration of the program, and most dinners are included in the lodging price. Dinner service is available from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the college's cafeteria. Please refer to the schedule for specifics.
If you choose not to opt for shared lodging, please refer to the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce website for a list of hotels, motels, and private rentals nearby The Jackson Laboratory
Karolina Palucka, M.D., Ph.D.Professor, Director, JAX Cancer Center, Edison T. Liu Endowed Chair in Cancer ResearchThe Jackson Laboratory
Marcus Bosenberg, M.D., Ph.D.Professor of Dermatology and PathologyYale University
Carol Bult, Ph.D.Professor, Knowlton Family ChairThe Jackson Laboratory
Lisa Coussens, Ph.D.Professor and Chairwoman, Dept of Cell, Developmental, and Cancer BiologyOregon Health & Science University
Matthew Krummel, Ph.D.ProfessorUniversity of California, San Francisco
A. Thomas Look, M.D.Professor of PediatricsDana-Farber Cancer Institute
