President's message

There has never been a more exciting time for The Jackson Laboratory.  With the completion of the human genome more than 10 years ago, the Laboratory has become more essential than ever.  The knowledge of the genetic basis of human disease, its risk, diagnosis and treatment is growing exponentially.  And with each finding, human genetics researchers turn to The Jackson Laboratory for validation and bench research to identify the mechanism of the disease.

This is because The Jackson Laboratory is the world leader in non-human mammalian genetics with the most robust mouse genomic library, and because the Laboratory shares its knowledge with the world’s genetic researchers.

Edison Liu, M.D., comes to the Laboratory in January as its new president and CEO.  He joins the Laboratory from the Genome Institute of Singapore, where he was the Institute’s founding executive director. Before moving to Singapore in 2001, he was the scientific director of the National Cancer Institute's Division of Clinical Sciences in Bethesda, Md.

Dr. Liu is a physician, scientist and visionary leader who will cement our commitment to human genetic research and assure our continued relevance to researchers worldwide.

I encourage you to watch his interview. You will understand and share the excitement the Laboratory community has for his arrival.

I'd also like to highlight how individuals and The National Council can make a difference in supporting genetics research at The Jackson Laboratory. Meghann Harris recently ran the Mount Desert Island Marathon to raise funds for Rett syndrome research, and families around the globe are rallying to make SMARD (spinal muscular atrophy with respiratory distress) research a reality.

About Dr. Dunn

Jeffrey Dunn brings more than 35 years of experience in academic, clinical, administrative, research, teaching and consulting positions. Dr. Dunn has relied on The Jackson Laboratory and its resources throughout his career, first as a surgical resident and later as a cardiac transplant surgeon. His wife, Dr. Linda Dunn, was a student in the Laboratory's Short Course. As president of The National Council, Dr. Dunn oversees the work of four chapters of donors and volunteers who share The Jackson Laboratory’s message of hope across the country. The Dunns enjoy splitting their time between Philadelphia and Mount Desert Island.