NextGen events spotlight personalized medicine

Following the successful launch of the NextGen Initiative last spring, younger professionals and executives turned up for two lively events this fall. The gatheringsfeaturedProf. Amos Tanay, Department of Biological Regulation and Department of Computer Science andApplied Mathematics. In New York, Denise Albert, DJ Duckworth,and Tamar Sela hosted more than 70 friends for cocktails and conversation at Ms. Duckworth’s home. The following day, Prof. Tanay presented his research at the first NextGen Virtual Conference. Live from the American Committee’s National Office, he connected with participants gathered at viewing sites across the country. At both events, Prof. Tanay discussed the Weizmann Institute’s efforts to take personalized medicine to the next stage. Analyzingvast amounts of medical information,known today as “big data,” he develops mathematical models to determinehow individual cells perform their “jobs.” His work holds great promise forpredictingand understandingcancer and other diseases.