Johns Hopkins Sesquicentennial Symposium on The Future of Technology Transfer and Academic Innovation
The Johns Hopkins Sesquicentennial Symposium on The Future of Technology Transfer and Academic Innovation is a one-day forum examining the future of university research translation, technology transfer, and academic entrepreneurship. Held as part of Johns Hopkins’ 150-year history of biomedical innovation, the symposium brings together scholars, policymakers, and practitioners from universities, government, and industry to consider recent policy developments, their implications, and priorities for future research.
The program combines panel discussions, networking opportunities, and a reception. Vice Provost for Research Denis Wirtz opens the event, with featured participation from National Institutes of Health Director Jay Bhattacharya and National Science Foundation Director James O’Neill.
When: October 29, 2026
Showtimes: 8:30 a.m.–7 p.m. EDT
Venue: Hopkins Bloomberg Center, Johns Hopkins University, 555 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
Program: The day begins with registration and breakfast, followed by a welcome address from Denis Wirtz, vice provost for research at Johns Hopkins University. Panel discussions cover federal translation programs; the development of a high-impact innovation ecosystem; security and dual-use considerations in technology transfer; the future of innovation in the United States; and lessons from successful university–corporate partnerships. A networking lunch, final remarks, and an evening reception are also scheduled.
Panel chairs and participants: Don Siegel of Arizona State University chairs the federal translation programs panel; Myra Norton of Johns Hopkins Technology Ventures chairs the innovation ecosystem panel; Phillip Phan of Johns Hopkins chairs the dual-use technology panel; Siri Terjesen of Florida Atlantic University chairs the U.S. innovation landscape panel, which features Jay Bhattacharya of the NIH; and Youseph Yazdi of Johns Hopkins chairs the university–corporate partnering panel.
Closing remarks: Organizers Phillip Phan of Johns Hopkins, Don Siegel of Arizona State University, and Siri Terjesen of Florida Atlantic University present final remarks on the future of university-based discovery translation and commercialization.
Ages and eligibility: The event is open to Johns Hopkins faculty, staff, and students.
Registration: Registration is required, using the event’s registration form.
Tickets: Price not available
Contact: Phillip Phan, pphan@jhu.edu