The 2024 NIH Global Doctoral Partnerships Research Colloquium, hosted by the International Biomedical Research Alliance and the NIH Oxford-Cambridge (OxCam) Scholars Program, from July 15-18 at the Washington College of Law, American University, Washington DC, was a landmark event for the biomedical research community. This year’s Colloquium brought together Scholars, Alumni, faculty mentors, Board Directors, and industry leaders for a week of engaging presentations, keynote talks, and networking opportunities.
The event commenced with Dr. Lyric Jorgenson, PhD, and staff from the NIH Office of Science Policy, who delivered an insightful Science Policy Address. Following this talk, Poorva Jain and NIH OxCam Scientific Director Mary Dasso, PhD, welcome guests and emphasized the importance of collaboration and innovation in biomedical research. Following the introductions, Research!America’s Jenny Luray, a leading voice in science policy, delivered an inspiring keynote address that highlighted the intersection of research, policy, and public health. The first day also featured Class of 2024 introductions and 2022 Scholar Oral Presentations on Immunology and Cancer. The day concluded with a Research Participants Perspectives Panel featuring NIH investigators, study participants, and family members of patients.
On the second day, the Class of 2023 opened the session with the three-minute thesis, with Scholar Jessica Phan being recognized for the best thesis talk. Ana Penman-Aguilar, PhD, MPH, and Keisha Ray, PhD, led a thought-provoking session on diversity, equity, and inclusion in biomedical research. This was followed by town hall discussions and poster sessions, where attendees explored innovative research presented by the Class of 2022. Scholar Stanley Fayn was named the best poster presentation winner. These sessions provided a platform for in-depth discussions and networking among participants.
The third day continued with Oral Presentations by the Class of 2022 with the topics of Cancer and Neuroscience as well as Computational Biology. Scholars Henry Taylor and Cristina Contreras Burrola were recognized for their outstanding presentations.
An alumni panel, featuring distinguished Alumni Jeanette Beaudry, MD/DPhil, Ryan Harrison, DPhil, Tamara Litwin, PhD, MPH, and Geoffrey Lynn, MD/DPhil (who recently joined the IBRA Board of Directors) shared their career journeys and insights with current Scholars. The day concluded with an elegant awards gala, where Michael Lenardo, MD, and Peter Marks, MD, PhD, delivered closing remarks, celebrating the achievements of the biomedical community.
Throughout the Colloquium, attendees had numerous opportunities for networking, skill development, and exploring career pathways. The event not only showcased the remarkable work of young researchers but also reinforced the importance of collaboration and community in driving scientific progress.
For more information about the event and upcoming activities, please contact Alexandra Ambrico at ajambrico@biomedalliance.org.