6th Annual Henry Ford + MSU Cancer Research Symposium

WHAT TO EXPECT  

The 6th Annual Henry Ford + MSU Cancer Research Symposium showcases the depth and breadth of cancer research across Henry Ford + MSU, offering a full day of scientific exchange, interdisciplinary dialogue, and opportunities to connect with peers and leaders. Designed to highlight innovative work and strengthen collaboration across the cancer research community, the symposium features several key experiences, including:

• Keynote Speakers: 
  • Sara Isabel Pai, M.D., Ph.D.
    Professor, Yale School of Medicine.
  • Raghu Kalluri, M.D., Ph.D.
    Professor and Chairman, Department of Cancer Biology at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.  
• Scientific Presentations: Hear from emerging and existing researchers, clinicians and outstanding poster award recipients selected through a scientific review process to present their research findings.
• Poster Session: Discover original research from investigators, clinicians, trainees, and collaborators across basic, population health, clinical, and translational programs, as well as shared resources that support discovery and collaboration. Engage with investigators and receive valuable feedback from peers and experts throughout the poster session.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with colleagues, trainees, and collaborators while fostering new partnerships and scientific exchange. 

This year’s symposium theme is Pathways to Building Cancer Research Programs.

The final agenda will be shared closer to the symposium date. 

Registration Deadline

Monday, October 12, 2026

Location

The Henry Autograph Collection 
Fairlane Plaza, 300 Town Center Dr 
Dearborn, MI 48126
Complimentary parking is available on-site.

Questions

For questions, please email Jenna Anheuser (janheus3@hfhs.org).  

POSTER SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

Henry Ford Health and Michigan State University researchers, clinicians, trainees, health care professionals and others with an interest in cancer research are invited to submit a poster for presentation at the 6th Annual Henry Ford + MSU Cancer Research Symposium.

• Submission Deadline: Tuesday, September 22, 2026
• Registraiton Required: To be considered, presenters must be registered to attend the 6th Annual Henry Ford + MSU Cancer Research Symposium.

Abstract Guidelines

Abstract submissions must align with one of the following categories:

• Cancer Biology & Immunology
• Physical Sciences in Cancer
• Cancer Epidemiology, Prevention and Control
• Shared Resources & Cores

Download and review the abstract guidelines before submitting a poster for consideration.

Poster Awards

All submitted abstracts will be evaluated by a scientific review panel. Four poster award recipients will be selected and invited to present their research during a scientific presentation on Friday, October 30, 2026. Abstracts submitted in the Shared Resources & Core category will not be evaluated or considered for oral presentation selection. Authors selected for an oral presentation will be notified during the first week of October. Award recipients will also be eligible to receive a travel award of up to $250 to support attendance at the symposium.

MORE ABOUT THE KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
 

Sarah Pai, M.D., Ph.D., is recognized both nationally and internationally as an expert in HPV-associated head and neck cancers and cancer immunotherapy. Her research interests focus on better understanding how human papillomavirus (HPV) can evade the immune system and how to reactivate the host immune response against the virus and its related cancer cells through novel immunotherapeutic strategies. Pai graduated Summa Cum Laude from Dartmouth College with a major in biochemistry and molecular biology. After graduating from Dartmouth, she completed the M.D./Ph.D. program at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, in which she obtained her Ph.D. training in cancer immunology and vaccines. After completing her residency in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital, she joined its faculty from 2007-14. Subsequently, she joined the Division of Surgical Oncology in the Department of Surgery at the Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts. Pai current serves as a professor at Yale School of Medicine.

Raghu Kalluri, M.D., Ph.D., is a professor and chairman of the Department of Cancer Biology at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. He is a CPRIT Established Investigator and holds the Frederick F. Becker Distinguished University Chair of Cancer Research. Kalluri’s research program is focused on innovative research to unravel how cells and their environment communicate to maintain organ health, and how such communication networks are altered in cancer and other diseases. Current areas of research in the laboratory include cancer biology and metastasis, tumor microenvironment, tissue injury and regeneration, aging, and the biology of exosomes in health and disease. Kalluri's research is translationally focused, with an implicit mission to develop new strategies for diagnosis and therapy. To date, his discoveries have been translated into nine successful clinical studies and Phase I clinical trials for kidney diseases, fibrosis and cancer, and led to the creation of six biotechnology companies using intellectual property generated in the Kalluri laboratory. Kalluri has been recognized for his excellence in research and teaching and the Kalluri laboratory is a fertile training ground for the next generation of scientists and physician-scientists. 

HOTEL

The Henry Autograph Collection
Fairlane Plaza, 300 Town Center Dr 
Dearborn, MI 48126 
(313) 441-2000