WEST DES MOINES, IOWA (September 16, 2026) — Des Moines University (DMU) Medicine and Health Sciences will host its 2026 Research Symposium and Young Scientist Program on November 13-14 on its campus at 8025 Grand Ave in West Des Moines.
The annual event, open to faculty, students, staff, members of the regional medical and scientific community, and high-school students, will showcase innovative research being conducted across multiple disciplines at DMU and beyond.
Pravin Mishra PhD MBA, chief research officer at DMU, says the event encourages collaboration and advances translational research.
"Research drives innovation in health-care, and this symposium provides an opportunity to share discoveries and build partnerships that can lead to meaningful impact," Mishra says.
"We're also excited to engage the next generation of scientists through the Young Scientist Program and help spark their interest in research and the health sciences."
On Friday, November 13, the symposium will feature a keynote address by Trisha Wise-Draper MD PhD, division chief of hematology/oncology at the Indiana University School of Medicine and deputy director of the IU Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, followed by a panel discussion, oral presentations, poster sessions and oral presentation awards.
Saturday's activities will highlight the Young Scientist Program — an immersive experience designed for junior and senior high-school students interested in science and health-care careers. Beginning at 8AM, participants will explore discovery demonstrations, including a paleontology table featuring fossils, movement science exhibits, artificial-intelligence demonstrations, and opportunities to connect directly with DMU researchers.
Students will also hear from keynote speaker Beth Townsend, executive director of Iowa Workforce Development, and will have the opportunity to present research posters and participate in hands-on research activities.
The afternoon will feature the Katie Miller Young Adult Cancer Conference, 12:15-1:15PM. The session will be moderated by Wise-Draper. Her talk will focus on HPV, the risk of cervical and head and neck cancers, prevention strategies, and current treatment approaches for young adults.
"Both the Research Symposium and Young Scientist Program provide a platform for DMU to engage with the broader Des Moines and Iowa research communities, creating partnerships, and opportunities that can advance health-care innovation," Mishra says.
