Nearly 300 School of Medicine research faculty gathered February 2 and 3 to learn from experts and exchange ideas at the 2024 research retreat. Over the two days, they explored the topic “Emerging Approaches and Biotechnologies” in a variety of sessions:
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Biomedical Applications of Artificial Intelligence
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Precision Health: Public, Clinical Treatment, and Diagnostics
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Collaboration Across Grounds
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Emerging Approaches & Biotechnologies: Genetics, Genomics, Proteomics
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Large and Complex Grants: P and U Type Awards
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Emerging Approaches and Biotechnologies: Imaging
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Research Commercialization
In addition to hearing from their colleagues, retreat participants also heard from current and past Pinn Scholars who each gave a brief update on the project funded through this program. The first day featured poster presentations by newer faculty, and by the Core Facilities.
The highlight of the second day was the Shark Tank Competition. Provost Ian Baucom announced an additional contribution of $200,000 to the award pool, $150,000 from the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost and $50,000 from UVA Brain Institute. Five teams pitched their innovative ideas targeting large and complex (P&U level) grants. Our Sharks posed questions to each team, and then the audience cast their votes. The five teams which competed were:
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- Lead PI: Ukpong Eyo, PhD, Associate Professor, Neuroscience, “Glial Dysfunction as Drivers of Neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s Disease”
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- Lead PI: Loren Erickson, PhD, Associate Professor, Microbiology, Immunology & Cancer Biology, “Immune Mechanisms of IgE Sensitization to Alpha-Gal”
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- Lead PI: Alex Kuan, MD, PhD, Professor, Neuroscience, “Epilepsy in the Elderly and Alzheimer’s Disease”
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- Lead PI: Jennifer Payne, MD, Professor, Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, “Postpartum Depression Research & Training Center”
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- Lead PI: Coleen McNamara, MD, Professor, Medicine/Cardiovascular, “The Impact of G6PD-Deficiency on Common Diseases of Global Significance”
At the closing reception, Dean Kibbe announced that an additional $150,000 was added to the prize, bringing the total amount to $500,000! She also announced the winning teams: Team Kuan and Team McNamara tied for third place, each awarded $50,000. Team Eyo took second place, which was a $100,000 prize. And in a tie for first place was Team Payne and Team Erickson. Each of the first place teams received $150,000.
First place winning teams of the Shark Tank competition along with the Sharks and the leadership team.
The complete program is available here.
