Innovators Day 2026

Date/Time: Oct 28, 2026, 09:30 AM to Oct 28, 2026, 05:00 PM

Location: KU Medical Center Health Education Building, Ad Astra Room (5th floor)

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Registration is now open for Innovators Day 2026, presented by the Digital Health Co/Lab at the University of Kansas.

Join researchers, clinicians, entrepreneurs and industry leaders for a day focused on advancing digital health innovation and turning promising ideas into real-world impact.

Start the day with Innovation to Commercialization, a workshop offering practical guidance on funding, business development, regulatory considerations and translating research into viable products and solutions.

This year’s keynote speaker, Michael Torno, is a health care entrepreneur and co-founder of PathologyWatch, a digital pathology company that uses artificial intelligence and was acquired by Sonic Healthcare. Drawing on his experience building health care and technology companies, Torno brings a firsthand perspective on moving innovation from concept to market.

The afternoon also features:

A candid conversation about the journey from research to commercialization at KU

Emerging opportunities in digital mental health, AI and big data, and wearables and remote monitoring

Research updates and a new digital health funding announcement

A networking happy hour with fellow innovators across the digital health community

Explore the full Innovators Day program

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Sep 23 08:00 AM • Where Beller Conference Center | Hemingway Building | University of Kansas Medical Center Campus KU Medical Center's Falling in AI Symposium 2026 Open to KU Medical Center, KU Lawrence and University of Kansas Health System employees only due to capacity. This fall, we are excited to announce the expansion of our AI Day Series! This year, the theme of the event is called Falling into AI, the KUMC event is an interdisciplinary event that brings together students, faculty, educators, industry professionals and community members to explore how artificial intelligence is shaping education, healthcare, research, business and how AI is increasingly becoming part of our everyday lives. This event will include keynote presentations, a panel of career experts, hands-on workshops, live demonstrations, and participants learn how to use AI tools responsibly and ethically. The Falling into AI Symposium welcomes beginners and experienced users to attend. This is an open space for learning, discussion and collaboration across disciplines such as research, healthcare, science, technology, and huminites. This day is part of a three day event series in with collaborations between KUMC and KU Lawrence. To register for the KUMC Campus event visit Falling into AI | Flexible Learning through Innovation, Education and Research (FLIER) To register for the KU Lawrence events, visit Falling into AI | Flexible Learning through Innovations in Technology & Education (FLITE) We look forward to seeing you! Sep 23 12:00 PM • Virtual Research and Discovery Grand Rounds: Preclinical Models: Building the foundation for translation Join panelist for a discussion focused on designing and selecting rigorous, predictive preclinical models that strengthen translational validity and improve the likelihood of successful clinical application. Panelists: Kenneth McCarson, Ph.D.- professor of pharmacology, toxicology & therapeutics and director the Preclinical Models Core and Rodent Behavior Facility at KU Medical Center Scott Younger, Ph.D.- director of Disease Gene Engineering in the Genomics Medicine Center at Children’s Mercy and research assistant professor of pediatrics at University of Missouri-Kansas City Gerald Wyckoff, Ph.D.- professor and chair of pharmacology and pharmaceutical sciences and director of research administration at University of Missouri-Kansas City Kaela Varberg, Ph.D.- director of the Varberg Lab in Fetal Health at Children’s Mercy, assistant professor of cell biology and physiology at KU Medical Center, and assistant professor of pediatrics at University of Missouri-Kansas City Oct 02 11:30 AM • University of Kansas Medical Center's Beller Conference Center Bi-Campus Neuroscience Symposium presented by the Society for Neuroscience-Kansas City Keynote Speaker: Dr. David Dietz; The Neurobiology of Substance Use Disorder: From Molecules to Behavior Oct 09 09:00 AM • KU Edwards Campus - BEST Conference Room Heartland Association of Research Professionals Annual Conference (2026) Research Resiliency: Challenges and Adaptations in Healthcare Research The goal of the HARP conference is to provide networking and educational opportunities for research professionals across the heartland region. Past attendees have consisted of research coordinators, data scientists, principal investigators, and other research professionals from a variety of disciplines. More information and to register. Currently accepting submissions for speakers and poster presentations. Oct 15 12:00 PM • Virtual Research and Discovery Grand Rounds: Novel Study Design: Designing studies for real world impact This session will showcase research methods in action, focused on moving from clinical question to innovative trial design, advancing translational impact with improved efficiency, rigor, and relevance to clinical and real-world settings. Speakers: Lexie Brown, Ph.D.- research assistant professor of biostatistics and data science at KU Medical Center Byron Gajewski, Ph.D.- professor of biostatistics and data science at KU Medical Center and member of Cancer Control and Population Health at the University of Kansas Cancer Center Oct 20 02:00 PM • Virtual Navigating Rural Health Together: Aging in Place Aging in Place: Supporting Healthy Aging in Rural Kansas How can rural communities create the supports older adults need to remain independent, connected, and engaged in the communities they call home? This session will explore aging in place and the innovative approaches rural communities can use to support healthy aging and improve quality of life for older adults. The conversation will highlight how community-based resources, transportation, social connection, and access to services can help older adults remain active and connected while continuing to live in their communities. Speakers will also explore broader opportunities and challenges related to aging in rural Kansas and how communities can identify and develop solutions that meet the needs of their older residents. Featured Speakers: Alissa Rankin, Executive Director, Finney County Committe on Aging Terri Kennedy, Ida Johnson Feaster Professor of Interprofessional Practice and Education, KU School of Nursing; Professor, Department of Population Health, KU School of Medicine Oct 28 09:30 AM • KU Medical Center Health Education Building, Ad Astra Room (5th floor) Innovators Day 2026 Registration is now open for Innovators Day 2026, presented by the Digital Health Co/Lab at the University of Kansas. Join researchers, clinicians, entrepreneurs and industry leaders for a day focused on advancing digital health innovation and turning promising ideas into real-world impact. Start the day with Innovation to Commercialization, a workshop offering practical guidance on funding, business development, regulatory considerations and translating research into viable products and solutions. This year’s keynote speaker, Michael Torno, is a health care entrepreneur and co-founder of PathologyWatch, a digital pathology company that uses artificial intelligence and was acquired by Sonic Healthcare. Drawing on his experience building health care and technology companies, Torno brings a firsthand perspective on moving innovation from concept to market. The afternoon also features: A candid conversation about the journey from research to commercialization at KU Emerging opportunities in digital mental health, AI and big data, and wearables and remote monitoring Research updates and a new digital health funding announcement A networking happy hour with fellow innovators across the digital health community Explore the full Innovators Day program Nov 17 08:00 AM • Children's Mercy Research Institute, Big Slick Auditorium Zebra Summit The Zebra Summit is a two-day conference bringing together patients, families, researchers, and clinicians who understand the rare disease journey firsthand. This inaugural event is more than a conference, it's the start of a community. Connect with other rare patients and families, hear directly from leading rare disease researchers and clinicians, and be part of building a center of gravity for rare disease care and innovation right here in our region. Join 200+ attendees for two days of connection, awareness, and collaboration, because rare is stronger together. More information. Nov 17 12:00 PM • Virtual Research and Discovery Grand Rounds: Implementation Science: From evidence to practice This session will spotlight recent works focused on applying implementation science frameworks to ensure that evidence-based interventions are effectively adopted, integrated, and sustained in real-world settings. Speakers: Jaime Perales Puchalt, Ph.D., MPH- associate professor of neurology at KU Medical Center and director of the Outreach, Engagement and Recruitment Core at the KU Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center Anna M. Gorczyca, Ph.D.- research assistant professor of physical activity and weight management in the department of internal medicine at KU Medical Center Nov 17 02:00 PM • Virtual Navigating Rural Health Together: Education Education: Building Healthier Rural Communities Through Education How does education shape the health and well-being of rural communities? This session will explore the connection between education and rural health, highlighting innovative approaches that support students, strengthen communities, and help build a healthier rural Kansas. The conversation will examine how educational opportunities, partnerships, and pathways can contribute to community health and workforce development. Speakers will share perspectives on innovative work happening in Kansas and discuss how communities, schools, and health organizations can work together to address educational needs and create opportunities for rural residents to thrive. Featured Speakers: Tina Gareton, KU Area Health Education Center & Kansas HOSA Karen Eppley, Director, Rural Education Center; Associate Professor of Rural Education, Kansas State University Dec 07 08:00 AM • Children's Mercy Research Institute Fall 2026 Mock Study Section Visit the Frontiers CTSI Education and Training page for more Mock Study details. Dec 07 12:00 PM • Virtual KCIS/Frontiers Implementation Science Lecture Series: Talk with Dr. Elva Arrendondo More information to be announced. Dec 15 02:00 PM • Virtual Navigating Rural Health Together: Access to Cancer Care Access to Cancer Care: Addressing Rural Barriers and Opportunities Access to timely, high-quality cancer care can be challenging for rural residents. This session will explore the unique barriers rural communities face in accessing cancer prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, and supportive services, as well as innovative approaches to improving access and outcomes. The conversation will highlight opportunities for rural communities to strengthen connections between residents and cancer care resources, reduce barriers to care, and develop community-based solutions that better meet the needs of rural Kansans. Participants will gain insight into how communities can work collaboratively to improve cancer care access and support healthier outcomes for their residents. Featured Speaker: Hope Krebill, MSW, BSN, RN Assistant Director, Community Outreach and Engagement, The University of Kansas Cancer Center Executive Director, Masonic Cancer Alliance May 21 12:00 PM • Big Cedar Lodge, Ridgedale, Mo. 2027 Midwest Research Skills Development Workshop Beyond clinical training, successful investigators need a broad array of research and career development skills.To address this gap, and build on an international series with over 600 past participants now in its 24th year, we offer this workshop in the Midwest for the third year. Target Audience: Trainees & Early Career Faculty Topics include: Mentoring, Grantsmanship, Time Management, Work-Life Balance (including sessions for partners), Negotiation Panels feature successful early and advanced faculty on career development, and optional breakout sessions offer the opportunity to dive in depth into actual K awards and Phase 1 and 2 protocols. Cost: $1,500 for faculty / $750 for trainees Includes 1 room for 2 nights, all meals for participants and meeting materials. Ground transportation and/or airfare are not included. Partners and children welcome, meals included. Registration and Agenda available Janurary 2027.

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