Research and Innovation Events

Registration and Breakfast

Check-in and enjoy a light breakfast before the day begins.

Fireside Chat with Research Leadership

Vice President for Research and Innovation, Jenny Lodge, leads an insightful fireside chat exploring the evolving research landscape. This candid conversation will delve into the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and institutional growth. 

• Jenny Lodge

Unlocking the Power of Gene Therapy 

Advances in gene therapy are transforming both medicine and society, opening possibilities for treating genetic disease in ways once unimaginable. This session spotlights breakthroughs in DNA editing and delivery, while also examining the ethical, cultural, and philosophical questions that come with them.

• Misha Angrist
• Aravind Asokan
• Charlie Gersbach
• Dwight Koeberl

Metamaterials, Robotics, Quantum Computing, and the Future of Technology 

Innovation in robotics, metamaterials, and quantum computing are transforming technology and society, opening possibilities once thought out of reach. This session spotlights breakthroughs in these cutting-edge fields while also examining the social, cultural, ethical, and practical implications of these innovations. 

• Boyuan Chen
• Emily Edwards
• Mark Hansen
• David Smith

Cutting-Edge Perspectives on Environment, Culture, and Change 

Research is rapidly advancing our understanding of environmental systems, from climate dynamics and biodiversity loss to shifting patterns in land, water, and energy. This session highlights how these discoveries intersect with cultural practices and social change, offering new ways to connect data-driven insights with human contexts.

• Panelists coming soon

Daubechies Lecture

This annual lecture is named after Ingrid Daubechies, a distinguished Duke professor and renowned mathematician known for her groundbreaking contributions to the field of wavelets and signal processing. It celebrates the achievements of women in science and provides a platform for those who support women in science to share their work and insights with the Duke research community.

• 2026 Daubechies Lecturer to be named soon

Catered Lunch

Lunch will be provided for all registered attendees. Vegan and gluten-free options will be available.

Lightning Talks: Transforming Health and Well-Being 

Discover powerful perspectives on how researchers across disciplines are reshaping our understanding health of bodies, minds, and communities. These rapid-fire talks span groundbreaking neuroscience and medical innovations, health policy and ethics, histories and narratives of healing, designs for wellness, and creative approaches that foster resilience and care. 

Lightning Talks: Technology and Innovation

Embark on a fast-paced journey across the many dimensions of knowledge and imagination. Speakers share cutting-edge research in artificial intelligence, data science, and human cognition alongside humanistic, artistic, and cultural explorations of how we think, learn, and create. From machine learning and quantum discovery to ethical frameworks, creative design, and the arts of storytelling, these talks highlight the diverse forces shaping human and technological innovation. 

Lightning Talks: Sustainability and Resilient Communities 

Be inspired by cross-cutting research that tackles the urgent challenge of building a more equitable, sustainable future. In just minutes, presenters will spotlight initiatives in renewable energy, climate adaptation, environmental justice, and cultural visions of resilience. These lightning talks offer bold ideas for thriving together on a changing planet. 

Diversifying Funding Portfolios in a Changing Landscape 

Learn from peers who have successfully secured non-federal research funding from foundations, corporations, and other external partners. This panel will showcase real-world examples, strategies, and lessons learned, while also introducing researchers to key institutional resources that support these funding pathways. 

• Chris Bail
• Fedor Kossakovski

Networking Reception

Wrap up the day with a relaxed reception to connect with fellow researchers and faculty. Enjoy refreshments and conversations as you reflect on the day’s insights and explore new opportunities for collaboration.