Dell Med Annual Research Symposium and Ken Shine Awards

Purpose

Dell Medical School invites faculty, post-doctoral researchers, residents/fellows (primarily clinical), and students (medical, or graduate) to submit abstracts for poster presentations at the upcoming Dell Med Annual Research Symposium and Ken Shine Awards, to be held April 23, 2026, from 1-5:30 PM CT. This school-wide event celebrates the depth and diversity of scientific discovery across Dell Med and provides an opportunity to showcase innovative research that advances health and healthcare transformation.

Poster Categories and Awards

A number of posters will be selected for display in the Health Discovery Building (HDB) throughout the event. Awards for best poster will be presented in the following categories, and those authors will receive an award ribbon, certificate, and a chance to deliver a “flash poster” during the speaker session:

• Students (medical or graduate)
• Residents/fellows (primarily clinical)
• Post-doctoral researchers
• Faculty
• Research Assistant/Associate or Staff Under Faculty Supervision

Poster Guidelines/Eligibility

• Posters must present completed research with actual data and findings
• Works-in-progress, proposals, or interim analyses are not eligible
• Research from any discipline (basic, clinical, translational, health services, or community-based) is welcome
• Projects must have been conducted under the supervision of a Dell Med faculty member (primary or joint appointment) if submission is from a student (medical, or graduate), resident/fellow (primarily clinical), or post-doctoral researcher
• Willingness and availability to produce a final poster in the template format by the print deadline on April 2, 2026, and to participate in the in-person event on April 23, 2026.

Abstract Submission Requirements/Instructions

Submissions should include:
1. Abstract (max 300 words) – Summarize background, objectives, methods, results, and conclusions
2. Presenter Information – Name, academic title, department/unit, category (student, resident/fellow, post-doctoral researchers, faculty)
3. Mentor/Supervisor Name and Department (if applicable)
4. Poster Title – Concise and reflective of the research content

Deadline: All materials should be submitted online using this link: Poster Submissions: 2026 Dell Med Annual Research Symposium and Ken Shine Awards no later than 5 PM CT on February 9, 2026.

Selection Process/Review Criteria

A faculty committee will review abstracts. Selection will be based on:
• Scientific rigor and innovation
• Clarity of presentation
• Relevance to Dell Med’s mission of transforming health and health care

IMPORTANT:

Selected Participants and Awardees

The Office of Research will reach out to you by March 2, 2026, if your poster is selected for showcase at the event, or by April 13, 2026, if you are the awardee in your category. Please also note:

• Poster projects must be formatted using the poster template provided, see here.
• Posters should be titled with your full name and poster title. Example: “Jessica.Miller_Early Biomarkers Predicting Long-COVID Cognitive Impairment”
• Formatted posters must be uploaded here: https://utexas-my.sharepoint.com/:f:/g/personal/jm12_eid_utexas_edu/IgBmBlRFi4uST7FfA5t9HmvZAaHb1I-6cNlekS4TgT6qLts no later than 10 AM CT on April 2, 2026.

Timeline

• Application window opens: December 12, 2025
• Abstract submission deadline: February 9, 2026
• Announcement of selected posters: mid March 2026
• Poster submission deadline for printing: April 2, 2026
• All poster session/winner announcements: April 23, 2026

Questions

For additional details or questions, please contact the dellmed.office.of.research@austin.utexas.edu with subject line: Call for Poster Submissions: 2026 Dell Med Annual Research Symposium and Ken Shine Awards.

The nomination window for the 2026 Shine awards for post-doctoral (clinical and non-clinical) trainees is now extended through 3/16!

Applications for the two other categories recognized (research mentorship and pre-doctoral student) are now closed.

Submit applications for the Excellence in Research by Post-doctoral Trainees Awards by 5 PM on March 16th, 2026, specifying the category of consideration*:

• Post-doctoral clinical trainee (residents or clinical fellows)
• Post-doctoral non-clinical trainee (primary research fellows)

Applications consist of:

1. A one‐page abstract describing the research project and containing the research question, methods, findings, and significance.

2. A letter of recommendation from the faculty mentor. Please also note whether the research has been published or presented as an abstract. We encourage the submission of basic, clinical, and translational projects from all disciplines and areas.

3. Applicants can have any primary academic affiliation as long as the research has been carried out under the supervision of a faculty member who has a primary or joint appointment at the Dell Medical School.

4. Clarity as to which category the applicant is applying for*

Submit all materials in a single file (word or pdf) here on Box; no additional materials (e.g. appendices) will be considered beyond those listed above (1-3).

Excellence in mentorship by faculty will be recognized for one faculty member with a primary or joint academic appointment at the Dell Medical School. Applications consist of a letter of nomination from a trainee at any level. Applications for this category are now closed.

Research project awardees will be recognized and asked to briefly present their work at the Sixth Annual Shine Awards for Excellence in Research and Research Mentorship to be held in person on April 23, 1-5:30pm, in the Health Discovery Building.

For any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Juan Pablo Robayo, Leta Moser and/or Michael Johnson.

Trainee winners will speak in person, 4/23, between 3:10-3:55pm in HDB auditorium.

Claudia F. Lucchinetti, M.D.

Claudia F. Lucchinetti, M.D., is dean of Dell Medical School and senior vice president for medical affairs at The University of Texas at Austin, where she leads strategy across education, research and clinical care, including UT Health Austin. An internationally recognized neurologist specializing in neuroimmunology, her work has advanced understanding of diseases such as multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica.

Previously, she held senior leadership roles at Mayo Clinic, including dean of clinical and translational science and chair of neurology. Her landmark research has helped define disease mechanisms and advance more personalized treatment approaches, contributing to major breakthroughs in neuroimmunology.

David Paydarfar, M.D.

David Paydarfar, M.D., is interim executive vice dean of research and chair of neurology at Dell Medical School, where he also directs the Mulva Clinic for the Neurosciences. A neurologist and physician-scientist, his work integrates engineering and medicine to advance patient care and population health.

His research focuses on developing biosensors and predictive technologies to anticipate and prevent disease progression, as well as understanding neurological conditions such as epilepsy and circadian disorders. His work is supported by the National Institutes of Health and National Science Foundation and aims to transform how clinicians monitor and manage health outcomes.

Alison Cahill, M.D., MSCI

Alison Cahill, M.D., MSCI, is associate dean of translational research at Dell Medical School, director of the Health Transformation Research Institute and a professor of women’s health. A maternal-fetal medicine specialist, her work focuses on advancing research that improves outcomes for mothers and infants.

A nationally recognized leader in perinatology, Cahill has authored more than 200 peer-reviewed publications and has received multiple research excellence awards. She also serves in national leadership roles with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and as editor-in-chief of American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology: Global Reports.

Suzannah K. Creech, Ph.D.

Suzannah K. Creech, Ph.D., is associate dean for strategic research initiatives at Dell Medical School and a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences. She is also a research psychologist with the Central Texas Veterans Health Care System. Her work focuses on trauma, PTSD and improving family functioning and well-being among individuals exposed to stress and adversity.

Creech’s research spans treatment development, clinical trials and implementation science, with funding from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Defense and National Institutes of Health. Her work aims to advance evidence-based interventions that reduce interpersonal violence and improve outcomes in real-world health care settings.

George A. Macones, M.D., MSCE

George A. Macones, M.D., MSCE, is executive vice dean at Dell Medical School, chair of Women’s Health, and a maternal-fetal medicine specialist at UT Health Austin. An internationally recognized leader in obstetrics, his work has advanced clinical care, research and training in women’s health. He previously served as interim dean of Dell Med and is a member of the National Academy of Medicine. Macones has authored more than 400 publications and is widely known for research on labor management and maternal-fetal outcomes.

Greg Fonzo, Ph.D.

Greg Fonzo, Ph.D., is an assistant professor of psychiatry and co-director of the Charmaine & Gordon McGill Center for Psychedelic Research & Therapy at Dell Medical School. His research focuses on the neurobiological mechanisms of mental health disorders, including PTSD, anxiety and depression. Using advanced neuroimaging and computational approaches, his work aims to improve treatment effectiveness and develop targeted, brain-based interventions to enhance patient outcomes.

Esther Melamed, M.D., Ph.D.

Esther Melamed, M.D., Ph.D., is an assistant professor of neurology at Dell Medical School and a specialist in multiple sclerosis and neuroinflammatory disorders. She leads research focused on genetic, environmental and sex-based differences in MS to advance personalized treatment approaches. A dedicated educator and clinician, Melamed is committed to delivering individualized, patient-centered care while training the next generation of physicians.

Peter Monteleone, M.D.

Peter Monteleone, M.D., is an associate professor of internal medicine, interventional cardiologist and vascular medicine specialist at Dell Medical School. He directs clinical research at the Ascension Seton Heart Institute and serves as associate program director for the cardiovascular fellowship. His work focuses on cardiovascular diagnostics, outcomes and innovative technologies, including the use of machine learning to improve patient care.