Two Research Thought Leaders to Speak May 14
Post Date: April 3, 2026 | Publish Date:
AAMC’s Elena Fuentes-Afflick and toxicology expert Thomas Hartung to join the Envisioning Our Future For Children speaker series. Registration open now!
As Cincinnati Children’s continues to advance discovery and innovation in pediatric health, the Envisioning Our Future For Children speaker series brings the world’s leading voices directly to our community.
This virtual series convenes global experts—spanning biomedical research, clinical care, policy and innovation—to explore what’s next for child health. From CRISPR pioneers to global health leaders, the Envisioning Our Future For Children series has featured some of the most influential voices in science and medicine.
These sessions are more than lectures—they are opportunities to stay at the forefront of scientific and clinical innovation, connect ideas across disciplines and spark new approaches to improving outcomes for children.
This spring, we invite you to join two exceptional speakers whose work is influencing the trajectory of academic medicine, translational science and outcome-changing research.
Elena Fuentes-Afflick, MD, MPH
Chief Scientific Officer, Association of American Medical Colleges
“Weatherproofing the Research Mission”
May 14, 2026
9:30–10:30 am EDT
Register to attend
A nationally recognized leader in academic medicine, Fuentes-Afflick brings deep expertise in health equity, workforce diversity and pediatric research leadership. As chief scientific officer for the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), her perspective is especially relevant for faculty and trainees navigating the evolving landscape of academic medicine.
Before joining the AAMC, Fuentes-Afflick served as professor of pediatrics at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and vice dean for the UCSF School of Medicine at Zuckerberg San Francisco General (ZSFG) Hospital. She previously served as chief of pediatrics at ZSFG and vice dean for academic affairs for the UCSF School of Medicine.
In this session, Fuentes-Afflick will explore how institutions can foster inclusive excellence while accelerating discovery and improving outcomes for children. Attendees can expect to come away with a deeper understanding of emerging priorities in academic pediatrics, practical insights into strengthening equity in research and care delivery, and a better understanding of how leadership and mentorship can shape the next generation of physician-scientists and researchers.
Thomas Hartung, MD, PhD
Doerenkamp-Zbinden Chair and Professor, Johns Hopkins University
“AI and Microphysiological Systems Transforming Biomedicine”
May 14, 2026
1-2 pm EDT
Register to attend
Hartung is a pioneer in toxicology and the development of innovative, human-relevant research models. His work challenges traditional paradigms and advances more predictive, ethical and efficient approaches to studying disease and therapeutics. He is a professor at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Environmental Health and Engineering as well as Molecular Microbiology and Immunology; at the Whiting School of Engineering and the School of Medicine in Cellular and Molecular Medicine; at Georgetown University, Washington D.C., in Environmental Metrology and Policy; and in Pharmacology and Toxicology at the University of Konstanz, Germany. He also is director of Centers for Alternatives to Animal Testing in the U.S. and Europe and field chief editor of Frontiers in AI.
During this session, Hartung will examine how two emerging technologies—AI and microphysiological systems, or organs on chips—are transforming preclinical and translational research. Attendees will gain insight into how alternative approaches can enhance translational success while also shaping the future of biomedical innovation and regulatory science.
Join Us May 14
These sessions are offered virtually, making it easy to participate from clinic, lab or office. Explore the full series and upcoming events: envisioningourfuture.org.
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About this blog
The Research Horizons blog features news and insights about the latest discoveries and innovations developed by the scientists of Cincinnati Children's. This blog does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Email researchnews@cchmc.org with questions or ideas.
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