Annual NIDDK Fellows Conference

The Annual NIDDK Fellows Conference is a two-day research and career development event that brings together trainees, fellows, and scientists from NIDDK's Intramural Research Program (IRP). The conference encourages sharing ideas, fostering new collaborations, and promoting community among NIDDK researchers. The conference is a benefit enjoyed by NIDDK fellows and closed to the public.

Led by the Fellows Advisory Board (FAB)

Fellows Advisory Board (FAB) members and the Fellows Career Development and Recruitment Office organize the conference. FAB is a diverse group of postbaccalaureate and pre- and postdoctoral NIDDK fellows who work with NIDDK leadership to build and support the NIDDK fellow community. FAB organizes career exploration and networking workshops and provides opportunities for personal and professional development.

Travel Award Competition for NIDDK Fellows

During the conference, fellows can compete for one of 10 travel awards to a conference of their choice by sharing their research. Awards are given for 2 oral presentations, 2 elevator pitches, and 6 poster presentations. Elevator pitch presenters may be offered the additional opportunity to represent NIDDK in an NIH-wide, Three-minute Talks competition.

Past Keynote Speakers

Experts from leading universities and institutions across the U.S. lecture on the latest developments in cutting-edge research. Past keynote speakers include

Dr. Caryn Outten, Ph.D.

Dr. Outten, Guy F. Lipscomb Professor of Chemistry at the University of South Carolina, is an expert on iron homeostatis and redox balance. Her presentation unraveled the mechanisms of iron regulation in fungi.

Dr. Sudarshan Rajagopal, Ph.D.

Dr. Rajagopal, Professor of Medicine, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry at Duke University, researches GPCR signaling in inflammation and vascular disease. His talk focused on GPCR signaling beyond the plasma membrane.

Conference Activities

NIDDK’s outstanding fellows and staff are highlighted through

• poster sessions by NIDDK fellows
• oral sessions from NIDDK senior researchers
• lunch and learn sessions from the Foundation for Advanced Education in the Sciences (FAES)
• elevator talk competitions
• oral presentations
• science debates
• career and networking seminars
• facilities and resources EXPO

Are you a fellow at NIDDK? For more information and to register for the conference, access the Fellows Career Development and Recruitment Office Intranet site (NIH login required)