Global Cancer Consortium 2026 | The Hormel Institute

Registration and Abstract Submission Now Open

Registration and abstract submission for the 7th Annual Global Cancer Consortium Conference at The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, is now open. The conference will be held in-person in Austin, Minnesota, as well as virtually, June 12-13, 2026.

This is the first time the conference will be held in the United States. This year's theme, “Advances in Metastasis Research,” spotlights groundbreaking science and global collaboration driving the future of cancer discovery.

Experience thought-provoking sessions led by world-renowned experts in metastasis biology, early detection, and translational medicine. Together, we’ll explore new frontiers in:

Tumor–Host Interactions
Dissemination, Dormancy, and Reawakening
Technologies Driving Discovery
Translational Advances in Prevention, Treatment, and Quality of Life

Join us in Austin, Minnesota, as science, innovation, and global collaboration converge to accelerate progress against cancer.

For more information about the conference, contact Director of Building and Services Chelsey Lustig, [email protected].

Program

All times are Central Time (US)

Friday, June 12, 2026

7:30-8:30 a.m.	Breakfast & Registration
8:30-8:40 a.m.	Opening Remarks Robert Clarke, PhD, DSc, Executive Director The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota Global Cancer Consortium Committee Chair

Session One
Tumor-Host Interactions: From Ecosystem to Systemic Stress
Session Chair: Robert Clarke, PhD, DSc

8:40-9:25 a.m.	Keynote Speaker Danny R. Welch, PhD, Professor The Kansas University Medical Center
9:25-9:40 a.m.	Abstract Winner Talk
9:40-10:05 a.m.	Ningling Kang, PhD, Professor The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota
10:05-10:35 a.m.	Break
10:35-11:00 a.m.	Kaylee Schwertfeger, PhD, Professor University of Minnesota
11:00-11:30 a.m.	Speaker and Advocacy Panel Discussion Danny R. Welch, PhD Ningling Kang, PhD Kaylee Schwertfeger, PhD
11:30-12:00 p.m.	Poster Flash Talks
12:00-1:30 p.m.	Lunch with Poster Session

Session Two
Dissemination, Dormancy, and Reawakening
Session Chair: Vivek Rangnekar, PhD

1:30-2:15 p.m.	Keynote Speaker Christoph Klein, MD, PhD, Professor University of Regensburg, Germany
2:15-2:30 p.m.	Abstract Winner Talk
2:30-2:55 p.m.	Grace G. Bushnell, PhD, Assistant Professor University of Minnesota
2:55-3:25 p.m.	Break
3:25-3:50 p.m.	Gina Razidlo, PhD, Associate Professor Mayo Clinic, Rochester
3:50-4:20 p.m.	Speaker and Advocacy Panel Discussion Christoph Klein, MD, PhD Grace G. Bushnell, PhD Gina Razidlo, PhD
4:20-4:25 p.m.	Closing Remarks
4:25-5:30 p.m.	Networking Break/Reception
5:30-7:30 p.m.	Dinner at The Hormel Institute

Saturday, June 13, 2026

7:30-8:30 a.m.	Breakfast & Registration
8:30-8:40 a.m.	Opening Remarks Eric Rahrmann, PhD, Assistant Professor The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota

Session Three
Technologies Driving Discovery and Early Detection
Session Chair: Eric Rahrmann, PhD

8:40-9:25 a.m.	Keynote Speaker Catherine Alix-Panabiéres, PhD, Managing Director University Hospital of Montpellier
9:25-9:40 a.m.	Abstract Winner Talk
9:40-10:05 a.m.	Linghua Wang, MD, PhD, Professor The University of Texas MD Anderson Center
10:05-10:35 a.m.	Break
10:35-11:00 a.m.	David Largaespada, PhD, Professor University of Minnesota
11:00-11:30 a.m.	Speaker and Advocacy Panel Discussion Catherine Alix-Panabiéres, PhD Linghua Wang, MD, PhD David Largaespada, PhD
11:30-12:00 p.m.	Poster Flash Talks
12:00-1:30 p.m.	Lunch with Poster Session

Session Four
Translational Advances: Prevention, Treatment, and
Quality of Life Session
Chair: Dihua Yu, PhD

1:30-2:15 p.m.	Keynote Speaker Kelly Shanahan, MD, President, METAvivor
2:15-2:30 p.m.	Abstract Winner Talk
2:30-2:55 p.m.	TBD
2:55-3:25 p.m.	Break
3:25-3:50 p.m.	Matthew P. Goetz, MD, Professor Mayo Clinic, Rochester
3:50-4:20 p.m.	Speaker and Advocacy Panel Discussion Kelly Shanahan, MD Matthew Goetz, MD
4:20-4:25 p.m.	Closing Remarks
4:25-5:30 p.m.	Networking Reception
6:00 p.m.	Dinner Groups

Global Cancer Consortium Mission

To foster global trans-disciplinary collaborations through education, research, treatment and community outreach to overcome cancer. We empower professional partnerships that enhance cancer care and provide mentored training for the next generation of scientists and clinicians.