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2027 Scholar-Innovator
On May 20–21, 2026, Harrington Discovery Institute at University Hospitals convened scientific leaders, Harrington Scholars, donors, and global partners in Cleveland, Ohio, for its annual Scientific Symposium. Over two days, the program highlighted how Harrington’s model continues to accelerate promising discoveries toward new medicines, particularly for diseases that lack effective treatments.
The Symposium reinforced Harrington Discovery Institute’s role as a catalyst for translating breakthrough science into therapies. By integrating funding, drug development expertise, and strategic partnerships, Harrington enables physician-scientists and scientists to advance discoveries that may otherwise not reach patients.
Through its growing global network, Harrington continues to demonstrate how philanthropy and science can work together to address unmet medical need.
A spotlight of this year’s Symposium was the progress of the Oxford-Harrington Rare Disease Centre (OHC), a transatlantic collaboration with the University of Oxford. The initiative brings together academic discovery and drug development capabilities to accelerate life-changing treatments for patients living with rare diseases.
Lord (David) Cameron, Chair of the OHC Advisory Council and former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, delivered keynote remarks—moderated by Brandon Carrus, Senior Partner at McKinsey & Company—that emphasized the importance of international collaboration in advancing human health. His participation underscored the global momentum behind OHC’s mission and the growing alignment across sectors to deliver new medicines.
Remarks from Arul Chinnaiyan, MD, PhD, University of Michigan and 2026 Co-Recipient of the Harrington Prize for Innovation in Medicine, reinforced the critical role of scientific discovery in driving meaningful advances for patients.
Scholar Leadership and Scientific Momentum
A defining feature of the Symposium was the opportunity to hear directly from Harrington Scholars advancing innovative approaches across a wide range of diseases. Presentations reflected both the scientific rigor and translational focus that define the Harrington model.
Remarks from Jonathan S. Stamler, MD, President and Co-Founder of Harrington Discovery Institute, and Seth J. Field, MD, PhD, Director of Physician-Scientist Programs and Chief Scientific Officer, reinforced the Institute’s commitment to supporting Harrington Scholars at every stage of development.
Scholars including Timothy Yu, MD, PhD, 2020 and 2023 Harrington Scholar-Innovator, and 2024 Oxford-Harrington Rare Disease Scholar, and Barry Coller, MD, 2015 Harrington Scholar-Innovator, provided updates on their clinical trials and shared their experiences working with Harrington and the impact it had on advancing their work into patients.
The Symposium also brought together members of Harrington’s Scientific Advisory Board for a panel on the future of drug discovery, moderated by Suneet Varma, Chairman of the Board, CoRegen; CEO, INTENT Biologics; Retired Global President, Pfizer Oncology. The discussion highlighted both the challenges and opportunities ahead, and the importance of sustained investment in innovation.
Throughout the program, speakers reflected the depth of expertise across Harrington’s network, including leaders who have shaped modern medicine and continue to guide the next generation of breakthroughs.
Attendees left with a clear sense of momentum: promising science is advancing, global partnerships are strengthening, and more discoveries are moving toward clinical impact.
As Harrington Discovery Institute continues to expand its reach and deepen its collaborations, it remains focused on a singular goal—delivering new medicines to patients in need.
(left to right) Members of Harrington Discovery Institute's Scientific Advisory Board: Andrew Marks, MD; Barbara Kahn, MD; William Kaelin Jr., MD; David Ginsburg, MD; Jean Bennett, MD, PhD; Michael Welsh, MD, discussed the future of science innovation and drug development in a keynote panel moderated by Suneet Varma, with Jonathan Stamler, MD, providing an introduction.
Timothy Yu, MD, PhD, 2020 and 2023 Harrington Scholar-Innovator, and 2024 Oxford-Harrington Rare Disease Scholar, provided updates on his clinical trials and shared his experience working with Harrington and the impact it had on advancing his work into patients.
Lord (David) Cameron, Chair of the OHC Advisory Council and former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, delivered keynote remarks—moderated by Brandon Carrus, Senior Partner at McKinsey & Company
Ron Harrington, Entrepreneur and Philanthropist, speaks about Harrington's impact in creating new medicines.