This episode features a conversation in front of a live audience in Atlanta with Dr. James Lillard. Dr. Lillard is a Distinguished Fellow of AAI and Fellow of NAI and AAAS that uses both in silico and in vivo methods to develop biologics or molecular tests to better treat or diagnose, respectively, chronic diseases. His research involves dissecting the molecular mechanisms of cancer and inflammatory diseases, using clinically annotated NGS data and the implementation of precision medicine. His research contributions span disciplines including oncology, immunity, inflammation and biodefense. Dr. Lillard’s cumulative peer-reviewed funding principally directed over his scientific career exceeds $75 million and he has authored over 300 scientific communications, which have been cited over 10,000 times.