2026 Research Week: A Celebration of Innovation and Excellence in Pediatric Research

Welcome to 2026 Research Week: A Celebration of Innovation and Excellence in Pediatric Research

Join us April 6–10 as we shine a spotlight on groundbreaking research, inspire collaboration, and celebrate the incredible efforts of our faculty, fellows, and residents in the Department of Pediatrics.

Event Schedule

Monday, April 6: Pediatric Research Conference – K12 Scholars

  • 12–1 p.m. Location: Wadlington A&B or via Teams
    Moderators: Dr. Jen Sucre and Dr. Jim Cassat
    Kick off Research Week with an insightful conference showcasing the work of our K12 Scholars. 

Tuesday, April 7: Grand Rounds – Heller Lecture

  • 12–1 p.m. Location: Monroe Carell Theater or via Teams
    Speaker: Anne Marie Cahill, MBBch, BAO Chief of Interventional Radiology and Director of Image-Based Therapy for Vascular Anomalies, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
    Don't miss this year’s prestigious Heller Lecture as Dr. Cahill shares her expertise in using innovative imaging techniques to treat vascular anomalies.

Wednesday, April 8: Research and Quality Improvement Day

  • 11 a.m.–12 p.m. Incoming Fellows Welcome via Teams
    Speaker: Dr. Lori Jordan, MD, PhD Professor of Pediatrics, Neurology, and Radiology Director, Pediatric Stroke Program.
    Discover how to make the most of your research journey at Vanderbilt with Dr. Jordan’s guide to successful and fulfilling projects that advance your career.
  • 12–1 p.m. Department of Pediatrics Quality Improvement Presentations
    Location: Wadlington A&B or via Teams.
    Moderator: Dr. David P. Johnson.
    Learn how quality improvement initiatives are transforming pediatric care and driving impactful change across the department.

Thursday, April 9: Resident Research Presentations

  • 12–1 p.m. Location: Wadlington A&B or via Teams
    Moderators: Dr. Lori Jordan and Dr. Ryan Stark.
    Celebrate the achievements of our residents as they present their latest research findings, showcasing their commitment to advancing pediatric medicine.

Friday, April 10: Department of Pediatrics Research Retreat

  • 11–11:50 a.m. Boxed Lunch Pick-Up & Poster Registration/Set-Up
    Location: Monroe Carell Theater and Lobby.
    Fuel up and prepare for the day’s exciting sessions. Boxed lunches will be available in the boardroom while poster presenters set up in the theater.
  • 12–1 p.m. Keynote Speaker: Sallie Permar, MD, PhD
    Location: Wadlington A&B or via Teams
    Nancy C. Paduano Professor and Chair, Department of Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medicine Pediatrician-in-Chief, New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center.
    Dr. Permar reflects on her inspiring career, sharing insights into combining clinical research with mentorship to drive meaningful impact.
  • 1:15–2:30 p.m. 3rd Year Fellow Data Blitz Presentations
    Location: Wadlington A&B or via Teams
    Moderator: Dr. Michael R. DeBaun, MD, MPH.
    Experience rapid-fire presentations from third-year fellows as they showcase their impactful data and findings.
  • 2:30–3:15 p.m. Poster Session & Retreat Reception
    Location: Monroe Carell Theater & Boardroom.
    Dive into a world of discovery at our poster session, where researchers display their innovative work. Enjoy light refreshments while networking with colleagues.
  • 3:15–3:30 p.m. Award Announcements
    Location: Monroe Carell Theater.
    Celebrate the achievements of our researchers with the presentation of the Turner-Hazinski Awards and Research Retreat Abstract Award Winners. Posters will remain on display in the Monroe Carell Theater until 4 p.m. 

Join us in celebrating innovation and discovery in pediatric health!