Every year, scientific innovators from around the globe come together at the Kenneth Rainin Foundation’s Innovations Symposium to share knowledge, build relationships and advance Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) research. The 2026 Symposium will be held in San Francisco on July 19-21, convening researchers, clinicians and trainees working across disciplines to accelerate progress in preventing and treating IBD.
Following a memorable gathering in O`ahu, Hawai`i, last year, we’re thrilled to return to San Francisco with new vigor and focus. At a time when science is facing significant challenges and constraints, we remain committed to creating space for curiosity, collaboration and intellectual exchange. Here’s what you can expect from this year’s event.
Immerse Yourself In The Latest Discoveries
At the core of all good science is information. This year’s Symposium will feature leading edge researchers who will share key findings that will inevitably fuel further insights that help propel the field forward.
Excitingly, participants will hear from the Foundation’s 2024 Early Career Catalyst Award recipients: Dr. Nicole Belle, University of Pennsylvania, and Dr. Vivek Rudrapatna, University of California, San Francisco. Each received $500,000 to advance their research, which has the potential to improve the lives of people with IBD.
Explore the full roster of speakers below.
- Clara Abraham, MD, Yale School of Medicine
- Shizuo Akira, MD, PhD, Osaka University
- Nicole Belle, MD, PhD, University of Pennsylvania
- Ken Cadwell, PhD, University of Pennsylvania
- Gloria Choi, PhD, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Karen Edelblum, PhD, Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai
- Kenya Honda, PhD, Keio University School of Medicine
- Carrie Lucas, PhD, Yale School of Medicine
- Laura MacKay PhD, University of Melbourne, Doherty Institute
- Harmit Malik, PhD, Fred Hutch Cancer Center
- James McCluskey, PhD, University of Melbourne, Doherty Institute
- Kathy McCoy, PhD, University of Calgary
- Florian Rieder, MD, Cleveland Clinic
- Vivek Rudrapatna, MD, PhD, University of California, San Francisco
- Ramnik Xavier, MD, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard Medical School
- Christoph Thaiss, PhD, Stanford University
Coming together around our shared purpose is renewing in times of uncertainty. We look forward to gathering in July to create space for learning and collaboration and to advance progress in IBD research.
Laura Wilson, PhD, Director, Health Strategy & Ventures
Connect With Community
Scientific discovery doesn’t happen in a vacuum—it is a never-ending conversation that continues to build through meaningful collaboration. As funding cuts reshape the landscape, the Rainin Foundation is determined to continue to create spaces for the research community to convene and learn.
The Innovations Symposium is intentionally designed to inspire impactful connection. The event’s smaller size and structure allow participants to engage deeply with peers from academia, government and industry, as well as meet with the Foundation’s Scientific Advisory Board and Health Program Team. Attendees will have the opportunity to swap stories and talk shop with those at the forefront of IBD research. With so many great minds grounded in shared purpose, innovation and momentum are inevitable.
Early career researchers are essential to finding a cure for IBD, bringing fresh energy and new approaches to our fields. We’re thrilled to continue supporting their participation through poster sessions and Travel Awards.
Laura Wilson, PhD, Director, Health Strategy & Ventures
Share Your Work, Spark New Ideas
Scientific progress depends on many voices, and we want to highlight discoveries from various areas of research. Whether you’re an established investigator or early in your career, our digital poster sessions are an open invitation to share inquiries and findings and learn from others making strides in the field. Showcasing your work is a great way to actively expand your network, and can be instrumental in facilitating future opportunities and partnerships.
To lower the barrier to entry and encourage participation from trainees, the Rainin Foundation offers Travel Awards to students and postdocs who take part in the poster sessions. The deadline to submit an abstract and apply for a Travel Award is March 31, 2026.
Space is limited, so be sure to reserve your spot early. Explore the 2026 Innovations Symposium website and read about our previous Symposia below.
