Now in its 16th year, the annual event highlights the depth and diversity of research and education across the institution, with a focus this year on “Reimagining a brighter future for children through bold research and novel collaborations.”
Advancing ideas through connection
REI Week is designed to create space for exchange across disciplines, encouraging participants to engage with new perspectives and identify opportunities for collaboration. Programming spans foundational science, clinical research and community-focused initiatives, reflecting the full continuum of work underway at Children’s National.
The week begins at the Research & Innovation Campus with opening remarks from Nathan Kuppermann, MD, MPH, Michelle Riley-Brown, MHA, FACHE, and Catherine Bollard, MBChB, MD, followed by discussions focused on innovation in pediatric care. Early sessions will explore the future of drug and device development and strategies for communicating science effectively through media and digital platforms.
A dedicated Research AI Showcase will highlight emerging concepts in artificial intelligence, underscoring the growing role of data-driven approaches in advancing discovery and improving care delivery.
Perspectives from across the field
Keynote speakers throughout the week will address both the opportunities and challenges shaping modern research. Holden Thorp, PhD, Editor-in-Chief of Science, will discuss the evolving research landscape, while Richard Childs, MD, of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, will focus on translating discoveries into clinical applications.
Additional sessions will feature Peter Hotez, MD, PhD, on vaccines and global health, and Kelly Gebo, MD, MPH, on public health leadership, offering perspectives that connect scientific innovation to real-world impact.
Midweek programming will also highlight the importance of research integrity and communication. Howard Bauchner, MD, will deliver the Larrie Greenberg Grand Rounds Lecture, while Aaron Carroll, MD, MS, will lead the Jill Joseph Lecture on improving how research is communicated to support better health outcomes.
Showcasing discovery across the institute
Poster sessions held throughout the week in the Costco Atrium will provide a forum for investigators and trainees to present new findings and connect directly with colleagues across disciplines. These sessions remain a central feature of REI Week, offering insight into the breadth of work taking place across Children’s National.
Additional programming includes education-focused sessions such as the Medical Education Pathway Showcase led by Jeremy Kern, MD, as well as global health discussions and networking opportunities designed to strengthen partnerships across the institution and beyond.
Innovation with real-world impact
This year’s program places particular emphasis on translating research into tangible outcomes. Sessions featuring Matthew Bramble, PhD, and Lauren Clark, PhD, RN, FAAN, will explore global health challenges and care for children with disabilities, while additional talks will examine the growing role of synthetic data and machine learning in pediatric healthcare.
Together, these discussions reflect a broader shift toward collaborative, solution-oriented research that bridges discovery and care delivery.
Join the conversation
Events will take place across the Research & Innovation Campus, the main hospital and virtual platforms, allowing broad participation from the Children’s National community and its partners.
The week concludes with an awards ceremony recognizing outstanding contributions across research, education and innovation, along with community-focused programming including a Safe Kids Worldwide event.
Contact: William-Jose Velez Gonzalez
