We are delighted to present the Invited Speaker program of the CRC 1709 Lecture Series 2026, featuring a stellar lineup of internationally recognized researchers alongside upcoming dates that promise exciting scientific contributions to the fields of myeloid biology, stem cell research, cancer epigenetics, and translational medicine.
January 12, 2026 — Prof. Dr. Thomas Höfer (DKFZ / Heidelberg)
We open the Spring lecture season with Prof. Dr. Thomas Höfer, Head of Theoretical Systems Biology at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Professor of Theoretical Systems Biology at Heidelberg University. Prof. Höfer’s research combines mathematical modeling with experimental data to unravel how somatic evolution and stem cell dynamics shape disease development, including insights into hematopoiesis and cancer evolution. His work bridges quantitative theory with biological complexity and has deep implications for understanding cellular plasticity in health and disease.
February 9, 2026 — Dr. Efrat Shema (Weizmann Institute of Science)
On February 9, we welcome Dr. Efrat Shema, an Assistant Professor at the Weizmann Institute of Science. Dr. Shema’s lab develops and applies cutting-edge single-molecule and single-cell technologies to visualize the epigenome and decipher mechanisms of genome regulation in cancer. Her work aims to uncover fundamental epigenetic deregulation and identify vulnerabilities that could inform novel therapeutic strategies.
May 4, 2026 — Prof. Jérôme Tamburini Bonnefoy (Geneva University Hospitals / University of Geneva)
We are excited to host Prof. Jérôme Tamburini Bonnefoy on May 4. With leadership roles at Geneva University Hospitals and the University of Geneva, Prof. Tamburini Bonnefoy is known for his contributions to clinical research in hematology and translational approaches for hematological malignancies. His insights from integrating basic scientific discovery with patient-centric studies will be a highlight of this year’s series.
July 27, 2026 — Prof. Brian Huntly (University of Cambridge)
On July 27, the series continues with Prof. Brian Huntly, Professor of Leukaemia Stem Cell Biology and Head of the Department of Haematology at the University of Cambridge. Prof. Huntly’s research focuses on how the function of normal stem and progenitor cells is corrupted during the evolution of acute myeloid leukemia and other hematological cancers. Combining functional genomics with epigenetic and translational approaches, his work seeks new avenues to target disease mechanisms and improve therapy.
Upcoming Invited Speaker Dates — Save the Dates
We also eagerly anticipate Invited Speaker sessions on the following dates in late October and November 2026:
- October 5, 2026 — Invited Speaker (TBA)
- November 2, 2026 — Invited Speaker (TBA)
- November 30, 2026 — Invited Speaker (TBA)
These sessions are currently being finalized, and we look forward to announcing speakers who will continue to bring cutting-edge research and fresh perspectives to the Lecture Series. Each of these talks will build on our mission to connect deep mechanistic insights with translational potential in myeloid biology and therapy.
We hope you will join us for these inspiring talks — opportunities to engage with world-leading scientists, spark new ideas, and advance interdisciplinary collaboration within and beyond the CRC 1709 community.
