Edison T. Liu, M.D.
President, CEO
Conducts research focused on the functional genomics of breast cancer through an exploration of the entire genomic space.
Dr. Liu is the president and CEO of The Jackson Laboratory. Previously, he was the founding executive director of the Genome Institute of Singapore (2001-2011), and was the president of the Human Genome Organization (HUGO) from 2007-2013. Between 1997 and 2001, he was the scientific director of the National Cancer Institute's Division of Clinical Sciences in Bethesda, Md., where he was in charge of the intramural clinical translational science programs.
From 1987 to 1996, Dr. Liu was a faculty member at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he was the director of the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center's Specialized Program of Research Excellence in Breast Cancer; the director of the Laboratory of Molecular Epidemiology at UNC's School of Public Health; chief of Medical Genetics; and the chair of the Correlative Science Committee of the national cooperative clinical trials group, CALGB. Dr. Liu is an international expert in cancer biology, genomics, human genetics, molecular epidemiology and translational medicine.
Dr. Liu's own scientific research has focused on the functional genomics of human cancers, particularly breast cancer, uncovering new oncogenes, and deciphering on a genomic scale the dynamics of gene regulation that modulate cancer biology. He has authored over 300 scientific papers and reviews, and co-authored two books. He obtained his B.S. in chemistry and psychology, as well as his M.D., at Stanford University. He served his internship and residency at Washington University's Barnes Hospital in St. Louis, followed by an oncology fellowship at Stanford. From 1982 to 1987 he was at the University of California, San Francisco, at the G.W. Hooper Foundation.
Grants, honors and accomplishments
2014 April - 2014 Chen Award for Distinguished Academic Achievement in Human Genetic and Genomic Research (from the Human Genome Organization)
2013 January - Elected, Fellow of the Connecticut Academy of Sciences and Engineering
2010 October - Fellow of the Hastings Center (New York, Elected Membership)
2010-2013 - Re-elected - President, Human Genome Organization (HUGO)
2008 - Elected, Foreign Associate Member, European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO)
July 2007 - Awarded Doctor of Medical Sciences honoris causa, Queen’s University, Belfast September
June 2007-2010 - Elected – President, Human Genome Organization (HUGO)
September 2003 - Public Service Medal (National Day, 2003): for work in controlling SARS in Singapore (given by the Office of the President, Republic of Singapore)
April 2000 - Rosenthal Award, AACR: for the discovery that HER-2 status determines response to adjuvant chemotherapy with doxorubicin.
April 1999-2001 - Elected-Board of Directors, American Association for Cancer Research
October 1996 - 1996 Brinker International Award for Breast Cancer Research - Basic Research Award
July 1995 - American Society of Clinical Investigation (Elected Membership)
December 1991-November1996 - Leukemia Society Scholar
October 1990-1993 - Komen Foundation Award for Breast Cancer Research (funding fellow salary)
July 1990-June 1994 - Jefferson Pilot Award: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Junior Faculty Award for Research Excellence
July 1985-1988 - Clinical Investigator Award, National Cancer Institute, K08- CA01036-02, Preceptor: Dr. J. Michael Bishop.
September 1983-1985 - Damon Runyan Cancer Fund Fellowship Preceptor: Dr. J. Michael Bishop (UCSF)
July-September 1974 - Ford Foundation Fellowship for Intensive Studies in Chinese, Stanford University
June 1973 - Phi Beta Kappa, Stanford University
June-September 1972 - National Science Foundation Fellowship in Chemistry 1972. To study the photoconversion of aziridines to ethylene for its agriculture applications. Preceptor: Dr. J. D. White
-
Featured ArticleApril 28, 2021Translating Complexity into Cures
The sequencing of the first human genome in 2003 was an astonishing achievement. Having the human blueprint in hand, scientists broadcasted the promise of predictive medicine: they would be able to decipher genetic maps, predict disease risks and identify therapeutic targets. -
Press ReleaseDecember 02, 2020JAX nominated as a healthcare hero
The Hartford Business Journal has recognized JAX among its 2020 Health Care Heroes in the Innovation category, recognizing an organization that has made a positive advancement in medical care or medical science. -
Press ReleaseJune 17, 2020JAX helps Maine Maritime Academy students and crew stay safe
The Jackson Laboratory and Puritan Medical Products have partnered with Maine Maritime Academy to ensure the safety of students and crew during their simulated training cruise in Castine. -
Press ReleaseMay 13, 2020National Cancer Institute Renews Jackson Laboratory’s Cancer Center Designation
JAX's Cancer Center designation has been renewed for the 34th year by the National Cancer Institute.
-
Press ReleaseDecember 07, 2020JAX's multi-pronged approach to triple-negative breast cancers
National Cancer Institute grant to JAX funds multi-pronged approach to address triple-negative breast cancers. -
Press ReleaseOctober 08, 2020Maine Cancer Genomics Initiative expands; offers clinical trials and new technology
The Maine Cancer Genomics Initiative (MCGI), a collaboration aimed at making the latest personalized medicine available to cancer patients throughout Maine, will now bring new precision oncology clinical trials to the state, support access to targeted therapies for patients not eligible for trials, and develop novel technology to enhance genomic education and genetic services through online platforms. -
Featured ArticleJune 03, 2020Science for the common good: a discussion on Covid 19
In their first Jaxtaposition virtual event, leaders from the Jackson Laboratory discussed COVID-19-related research, the origins of the virus, its clinical impacts, and how we can target therapeutics. -
Featured ArticleApril 05, 2020The new normal after the COVID-19 surge
Now that we have social distancing policies and protocols in place, how long will it be before they can be relaxed?