2026 Goals
Building on more than 90 years of leadership in genetics and genomics, The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) is entering a bold new chapter. In alliance with The New York Stem Cell Foundation, we are poised to transform disease research and accelerate the discovery of life-changing therapies.
In 2025 and 2026, our goals are clear:
• Advance discoveries that will change outcomes for patients facing cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease and other urgent health challenges.
• Educate and empower scientists at every stage — from high school students to early-career researchers — ensuring the next generation is equipped to lead.
• Share our resources globally, enabling the scientific community to move faster, together.
This is a pivotal moment for JAX — and for the future of human health.
Community Impact
At JAX, we believe that science should serve humanity. From our home in Maine to communities around the world, we are accelerating breakthroughs that bring hope to patients and families.
By integrating genetics, genomics, disease modeling and bioinformatics, JAX is driving progress across a wide spectrum of diseases including age-related conditions, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, cardiovascular disorders, diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases. Our research is not confined to the lab; it is designed to change lives.
Education is central to our mission. For over a century, JAX has launched and advanced the careers of tens of thousands of learners. Our Clinical Education programs equip health care providers to use genetic and genomic information in patient care – from identifying who should be tested to interpreting results and guiding treatment decisions.
In Maine, Teaching the Genome Generation (TtGG) has trained 107 teachers, representing 96 different schools and over 14,000 students who have benefitted from TtGG lessons and laboratory experiments. Our unique ability to engage learners from high school to practicing physicians sets JAX apart.
Our commitment to education extends beyond the classroom. The JAX College Scholarship Program supports first-generation Maine students pursuing STEM-related degrees, helping to build a more innovative future.
At JAX, we are not just imagining a healthier world – we are building it with the people of Maine, for the benefit of all.
Giving Opportunities
JAX is a nonprofit biomedical research institution where philanthropy accelerates scientific research, discovery and education. Charitable gifts – including estate gifts – provide our scientists the flexibility to pursue bold, innovative approaches in their research as they advance treatments and cures for human disease. Your support also helps us train and educate scientists at every stage of their careers who are committed to building a healthier, more hopeful future. Join us today and be part of the next great breakthrough. Learn more about donating to JAX by emailing advancement@jax.org, calling (800) 474-9880 or visiting www.jax.org/give.
Volunteer Opportunities
JAX welcomes volunteers to the Maine State Science Fair, managed by JAX and the Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance. The science fair encourages high school students to submit a science or engineering project and volunteers with STEM expertise are needed to judge at the event.
