2026 Henrietta Lacks Memorial Lecture

Join us in honoring the legacy of Mrs. Henrietta Lacks at the 16th Anniversary of the Henrietta Lacks Memorial Lecture.
About this Event

Thank you, Henrietta!

The Henrietta Lacks Memorial Lecture aims to describe the biomedical and ethical complexity and reach of the story of Mrs. Henrietta Lacks and HeLa cells. It also offers insight into how clinical research has been conducted in the past, how it's conducted today, and where it may be headed in the future. By honoring Mrs. Lacks and the global impact of HeLa cells through this lecture series, the ICTR hopes to acknowledge and thank everyone who participates in the clinical research process.

Honoring Mrs. Henrietta Lacks' legacy

Join us in honoring the legacy of Mrs. Henrietta Lacks at the 16th Anniversary of the Henrietta Lacks Memorial Lecture. Also celebrating Johns Hopkins'150th anniversary, this year's lecture is especially significant as we reflect on Mrs. Lacks' profound and enduring impact on medicine and science. We invite guests to join us either in person or virtually.

We are pleased to have Jeffrey Kahn, PhD, MPH, Andreas C. Dracopoulos Director, Professor of Bioethics and Public Policy at the Berman Institute of Bioethics, and Professor, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, as our keynote speaker. We are also excited to have Arthur Jason Vaught, MD, Director of Labor and Delivery at Johns Hopkins Hospital, and Assistant Professor at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, as our scientific discovery speaker.

We are also honored to have The Full Circle Dance Company perform an original piece about honoring Mrs. Henrietta Lacks at the event.

The Urban Health Institute will award the 2026 Henrietta Lacks Memorial Award [to be announced].

The awardee of the Henrietta Lacks Dunbar Health Sciences Scholarship will be announced.

All are welcome.

Free parking is available in the Washington Street garage, located at 701 N. Washington Street, Baltimore, 21205.

Check-in begins at 11:00 AM, and the program starts at 12:30 PM. Boxed lunches will be served from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM.

Your health and safety

Your health and the health of our community are our primary concern. Our collective safety requires everyone to consistently follow best practices for preventing the spread of COVID-19—including getting vaccinated, following proper hygiene, and reporting any symptoms.

Masking is now optional for all individuals on all university campuses, in classrooms, and in work-related settings.

Students, staff, faculty, and trainees are strongly encouraged to test themselves when they are symptomatic or concerned about exposure to COVID-19. All affiliates are required to stay at home while they are sick or experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms.

Photography and Film Rights Policy

Johns Hopkins University reserves the right to document University events and campus activities. At any time, photography or videography may be occurring on the JHU campuses, and incidental footage of members of the general public may occur. By entering campus property or events, individuals grant permission for use to JHU in such circumstances.

The full policy can be found in the JHU Policy and Document Library.