We recently had the privilege of speaking with Dean Ebony Boulware about Celebrate Research! 2025, a month-long event taking place this March. This inaugural celebration is a unique opportunity to highlight groundbreaking discoveries, foster collaboration, and explore how research is addressing critical challenges in healthcare and advancing medicine.
Why is Celebrate Research! 2025 such an important event?
Dean Boulware: Celebrate Research! 2025 is an incredible opportunity to highlight the innovative work happening across WFUSM and Advocate Health. It is a platform to share discoveries, spark collaboration, and showcase how research is driving meaningful progress in healthcare. From pioneering new treatments to advancing health for all, this event emphasizes the power of research to improve lives and shape the future of medicine.
What makes the keynote by Dr. William G. Kaelin Jr. such a key highlight?
Dean Boulware: Dr. William G. Kaelin Jr., a 2019 Nobel Prize laureate in Physiology or Medicine, is one of the most influential figures in biomedical research today. His discovery of how cells sense and adapt to oxygen availability has transformed our understanding of cellular function and led to groundbreaking treatments for anemia and cancer. During his keynote, Dr. Kaelin will share his career journey and the profound impact of his work on modern medicine. His insights will inspire researchers and clinicians alike.
What can participants look forward to during Celebrate Research! 2025?
Dean Boulware: This month-long celebration offers a wide range of events designed to engage and inspire. Attendees can expect thought-provoking discussions on clinical trials and research commercialization, insights from ignite talks and poster sessions, and explorations of how emerging technologies are transforming patient care. The event also highlights how research is addressing real-world needs and advancing health for all through meaningful community partnerships. It’s an exciting chance to connect, learn, and celebrate the breadth of the remarkable work being done.
How does Celebrate Research! reflect the broader impact of research?
Dean Boulware: Research goes beyond the confines of labs and academic institutions—it impacts patients, communities, and global health in profound ways. Celebrate Research! illustrates how local efforts can lead to global advancements, from developing life-saving treatments to addressing healthcare disparities. It’s a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of researchers, clinicians, and communities, and how our collective efforts create lasting change.
What do you hope participants take away from this event?
Dean Boulware: I hope Celebrate Research! 2025 leaves participants with a renewed appreciation for the role research plays in driving progress. I want them to leave inspired by the discoveries they’ve encountered, energized by the collaborations they’ve fostered, and motivated to contribute to the extraordinary work happening here. This event is a celebration of innovation and partnership, and I’m excited to see the ideas and momentum it will generate for the future.