In 2010, just under 170 individuals perused 71 research posters in Des Moines University’s first research symposium. Under the leadership and vision of Jeffrey Gray, Ph.D., vice president for research and global initiatives, the event has continued to grow. Last year, for example, more than 500 attendees explored 98 research posters and cast votes in the event’s inaugural scientific photo competition.
The DMU Research Symposium will mark its 10th anniversary on Dec. 5, 2019, and likely will be bigger and better than ever. The symposium draws students and faculty from across DMU’s eight programs as well as members of surrounding medical and scientific communities. The symposium provides a forum for the collaboration of ideas and the production of new hypotheses, and it demonstrates to attendees the critical role that research plays in the advancements of health care.
“Our Research Symposium has grown to become an influential regional venue where attendees are able to find some of the most up-to-date thinking and solutions to the most pressing issues affecting health and well being today,” Dr. Gray says.
In addition to poster presentations, oral presentations and the second annual scientific photo competition, the symposium will again feature a dynamic keynote speaker – this year, Julie Ledgerwood, D.O., chief of the clinical trials program of the Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Her presentation is titled “Accelerating Vaccine R&D in Response to Epidemic Emergence.”
Dr. Ledgerwood’s major areas of research include:
- Clinical evaluation of candidate vaccines and monoclonal antibodies targeting HIV, influenza, Ebola, zika, chikungunya, malaria and other emerging infectious diseases
- Translational immunology and vaccine research
- Advanced clinical development including strategic planning, facilitation, support, implementation and oversight of external clinical trials
In addition to generating enlightening presentations and lively discussions, the symposium is particularly powerful at sparking information exchanges because it’s free and open to the public. Registration is requested of attendees. Individuals who are interested in Dr. Ledgerwood’s keynote but who are unable to attend in person have the option of registering to catch a live stream of her talk. The symposium also offers continuing medical education credits.
The agenda for the symposium, which will take place in DMU’s Student Education Center, includes informal poster viewing from 9 a.m. to noon; lunch, noon; keynote speaker, 12:30 p.m.; poster presentations, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.; and student “lightning” oral presentations, 3:45 to 4:15 p.m. Awards will be given to presenting students, medical residents and post-docs with the best oral abstract and poster presentation beginning at 4:15 p.m. DMU faculty, clinicians and staff who have demonstrated research and scholarly excellence over the past year also will be recognized.
The deadline for scientific photos and abstracts is Nov. 17.
Visit the DMU Research Symposium website for more information and to register for the event.
