University of Louisville researchers help shape the future of medicine at Research!Louisville

More than 330 abstracts submitted for Research!Louisville 2026 reflected the breadth of discovery taking place across the University of Louisville and the many people contributing to it. From medical students and graduate trainees to postdoctoral scholars, residents, fellows, research staff and faculty, this year’s submissions showcase a research community united by curiosity, collaboration and a shared commitment to improving health. 

Hosted October 5-9 at the Kosair for Kids Clinical & Translational Research Building, Research!Louisvillebrought together researchers from across UofL and the Louisville Medical District to share ideas, present findings and strengthen connections across disciplines. The annual event celebrates innovation in biomedical, clinical, translational and population health research while creating opportunities for researchers at every career stage to engage with one another. 

This year’s numbers point to especially strong engagement from School of Medicine learners. Of the abstracts submitted, 74 were in the Medical Student category, with an additional 40 in the Medical Student–Distinction Track category, for a total of 114 medical student submissions. Seventy medical students also requested consideration for a new special oral presentation session, which featured a select group of top abstracts following the medical student poster sessions on Monday. 

The new session provided another opportunity for students to communicate their work, receive feedback and engage with the broader research community; it helped students build skills that will be essential as medicine continues to evolve through discovery, data, collaboration and innovation. 

Graduate student research also represented a significant portion of this year’s submissions, including 16 abstracts in the Basic Science Graduate Student category and 48 in the Basic Science PhD Candidate category, with most of these students based in the School of Medicine.  

“Research gives our learners the opportunity to do more than study what is already known,” said J. Christopher States, vice dean of research at the School of Medicine. “This research gives our learners the opportunity to ask new questions and contribute to what comes next. It’s invaluable for developing the curiosity, critical thinking and collaborative skills that will serve them throughout their careers.” 

Across the School of Medicine, research participation extended throughout the academic community, with submissions including 13 postdoctoral abstracts, three medical resident abstracts, one clinical fellow abstract, two research associate abstracts, 22 research staff abstracts and 16 faculty abstracts.  

Several award categories also highlighted areas central to the school of Medicine’s research and education mission. Forty-six abstracts were been submitted for consideration for the Health Disparities Award, while 57 abstracts requested consideration for the Medical Education Award. 

“These projects submitted reflect the questions our researchers and learners are asking about how we can improve health and better prepare the future healthcare workforce,” said States. “Bringing that work together in one place creates opportunities to see those connections and build new collaborations.” 

That breadth of inquiry was also reflected in this year’s keynote address by Kyle Walsh, PhD, director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the National Toxicology Program. Walsh offeredperspective on the relationship between environmental exposures and human health. His background in neuro-epidemiology and research examining genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors provided insight into the complex forces shaping health and disease today. 

For the School of Medicine, Research!Louisville served as a reflection of a culture that encourages curiosity, mentorship and collaboration while preparing learners and investigators to address the health challenges of tomorrow. As students, trainees, staff and faculty shared their work this October, they helped illuminate not only what is being discovered today, but also what is possible for the future of medicine. Learn more on the Research!Louisville website.