Tuesday, January 7th 2025
8:30am - 5:00pm
534 Research Dr, Durham, NC 27705
Duke Research Summit is a showcase of the groundbreaking research and innovation happening across the institution. This full day event brought together thought leaders, researchers, and innovators to explore transformative solutions for today’s most pressing challenges, including climate, social determinants of health, and other topics impacting local and global communities.
Collaborative Research Planning Grant
As part of the 2025 Duke Research Summit, the Office for Research & Innovation launched a new Collaborative Research Planning Grant. This grant offers selected research teams a unique opportunity to participate in a facilitated planning retreat, along with dedicated project management support, aimed at fostering interdisciplinary research collaborations. Grant recipients were announced at the 2025 Duke Research Summit.
2025 Duke Research Summit Event Schedule
Registration and Breakfast
8:30 - 9:00am
Welcome & State of Research Address
9:00 - 9:45am
Vice President for Research & Innovation, Jennifer Lodge, will deliver the State of Research address highlighting recent advancements, ongoing initiatives, and future priorities across the university’s research landscape, showcasing the institution's commitment to innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and community impact.
Concurrent Session One
10:00 - 11:15am
Climate and Health: Evaluating Risks and Developing Solutions
This panel will examine the critical links between climate change and human health, highlighting the impacts of environmental shifts on public health outcomes and healthcare systems. Experts will discuss innovative approaches to address climate-related health risks, promote resilience in vulnerable communities, and integrate climate considerations into health policy and research.
Bridging Gaps: AI's Role in Addressing Health Disparities
Explore how AI can be leveraged to address health disparities, considering the technological, ethical, policy, and social dimensions that impact its effectiveness and implementation.
Cultural Identity in a Globalized World: Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Challenges and Opportunities
This session addresses the complexities of cultural identity in the context of globalization. It explores how cultural identities are shaped and transformed by global forces, showcasing how different fields contribute to understanding and addressing these dynamic changes.
Concurrent Session Two
11:30 - 12:45pm
Driving Change: The Impact of Policy and Finance on Climate
Focusing on the intersection of climate policy and finance, this panel will explore strategies to support sustainable initiatives, balance regulatory frameworks, and foster partnerships that accelerate climate resilience. Experts will discuss pathways for advancing a low-carbon economy and addressing financial challenges in the climate transition.
Genetic and Environmental Influences on Aging: An Exploration of the Biological, Social, and Environmental Factors
Delve into how genetic predispositions and environmental factors interact to influence the aging process, highlighting the necessity of a multi-faceted approach to understanding and addressing the complexities of aging.
Case studies in commercialization: innovations that have made an impact
An in-depth exploration of how groundbreaking innovations have transitioned from concept to commercialization, making a significant impact across various industries. Through detailed case studies, we will examine the journey of select innovations, highlighting the challenges and successes in bringing these ideas to market.
Lunch
12:45 - 1:30pm
Concurrent Session Three
1:30 - 2:45pm
Rising Tides: The Impact of Climate Change on Ocean Ecosystems
This panel will explore the intricate relationship between climate change and ocean health, examining how rising temperatures, acidification, and pollution affect marine ecosystems and coastal communities. Experts will discuss strategies for sustainable ocean management, conservation efforts, and the role of oceans in mitigating climate change.
Intersecting Identities: Understanding How Race, Religion, and Ethnicity Impact Health Outcomes
Discover how the powerful intersections of race, religion, and ethnicity shape health outcomes. This session inspires exploration of these critical factors through various disciplinary lenses, empowering a comprehensive, informed approach to tackling health disparities.
The State of Incarceration in the United States: Examination of the Legal, Social, and Health Impacts
Explore the multifaceted aspects of incarceration, including its legal frameworks, social consequences, and health impacts, showcasing insights from various disciplines to address the complexities of the U.S. incarceration system.
Daubechies lecture
3:00 - 4:15pm
Keynote lecturer, Professor Jenna Wiens is Associate Professor of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) in the College of Engineering at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
Her primary research interests lie at the intersection of machine learning, data mining, and healthcare. The overarching goal of her research is to develop the computational methods needed to help organize, process, and transform patient data into actionable knowledge.
Please see Daubechies Lectures for additional information about the lecture series.
Reception and Networking
4:15 - 5:00pm
Duke Research & Innovation Summit is a re-imagining of Research & Innovation week sponsored by the Duke Office for Research and Innovation. For information on last year's event see 2024 Research & Innovation Week.