The Washington University Institute of Clinical and Translational Sciences (ICTS) hosted its 7th Annual Symposium on Wednesday, May 7, 2025.
This year’s theme, “Accelerating Translation: The Science of Moving Forward,” focused on differences between translational research and translational science and how projects can be adapted to overcome longstanding challenges along the research pipeline. The event was held in person, offering opportunities for attendees to connect and visit while on the WashU Medicine Campus.
The symposium kicked off with a welcome from ICTS Director William Powderly, MD. Powderly reflected on the ICTS’ achievements and discussed future initiatives as the ICTS embarks upon its 18th year of consecutive funding from the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) of the National Institutes of Health. After the welcoming remarks, attendees heard from Mark Lowe, MD, PhD, Vice Chancellor for Research, as he touched on specific updates from the WashU Medicine.
Next up was a keynote address from Ruth O’Hara, PhD, Director of Spectrum at the Stanford Center for Clinical and Translational Research and Education. O’Hara’s talk centered on the role that CTSA’s have to play in advancing translational science. A lively Q&A session with O’Hara followed, with Powderly moderating.
After the keynote address was a research panel that focused on transitioning from translational research to science with real-world examples. Attendees heard from the following panelists:
- Laura McPherson, PhD, DPT; Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy
- Christine O’Brien, PhD; Assistant Professor of Engineering (Biomedical)
- Mary Politi, PhD; Professor, School of Public Health
The panel was moderated by Nancy Sweitzer, MD, PhD, ICTS Associate Director.
Next, junior investigator flash talks focused on the integration of translational science principles within their individual areas of expertise and research. Powderly served as moderator. Attendees heard from the following speakers:
- Max Petersen, MD, PhD; Assistant Professor of Medicine (Endocrinology, Metabolism, & Lipid Research)
- Lauren Roland, MD; Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology
After the flash talks, attendees heard from an additional research panel that focused on the exciting topic of harnessing disruption for translational science. The panel was moderated by Christina Gurnett, MD, PhD, ICTS Associate Director. The following panelists were featured:
- Jacob Greenberg, MD, MSCI; Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery
- James Krings, MD, MSCI; Assistant Professor of Medicine (Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine)
- Ruth O’Hara, PhD (keynote speaker)
The ICTS extends a sincere thank you to all the speakers, attendees, faculty, and staff who helped to make the symposium a success! A special thanks goes out to symposium co-sponsors, including the Institute for Informatics, Data Science, Biostatistics (I2DB), the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center (IDDRC), and the Siteman Cancer Center.
Photo Gallery
Click on the photos to enlarge them. Photographer: Tina L. McGrath.
