NOVEMBER 18, 2024 — The University of Texas (UT) Systemwide Brain Research Summit taking place in Austin today and tomorrow will bring together state and national leaders to spotlight the innovative brain research programs underway across the UT System.
Among those participating in the summit are two professors from the UTSA Brain Health Consortium: Jenny Hsieh, Semmes Foundation Distinguished Chair in Cell Biology and director of the Brain Health Consortium; and Stanton McHardy, associate professor in the UTSA Department of Chemistry and director of the Center for Innovative Drug Discovery.
“This summit catalyzes collaboration and highlights the impact of research. It’s exciting for UTSA to be part of it, because it shows how crucial it is for academic institutions and medical schools to work hand-in-hand to move discoveries from basic research to clinical applications more quickly,” said Hsieh.
Jenny HsiehEstablished in 2017, the UTSA Brain Health Consortium has grown to include more than 80 leading researchers dedicated to unraveling the greatest mysteries of the brain. The organization has been key to elevating awareness of UTSA’s brain health research, according to Hsieh, who adds that having a seat at the table of this systemwide summit is representative of the exemplary research taking place across the university.
Hsieh, a member of the summit’s planning committee, emphasized that the summit is a space for scientific collaboration and a time to reflect on the purpose behind the research: the pursuit of therapies and cures. A key feature of the gathering is its emphasis on cross-institutional collaboration.
“Across sessions covering trauma, PTSD, neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders, and more, collaboration among UT institutions is vital to each research area,” Hsieh said. “Providing holistic patient care means addressing all symptoms comprehensively, and the overlap between research topics make these collaborations essential.”
McHardy is serving on a panel at 2:15 p.m. tomorrow about neurobiology and pain management. His current work focuses on developing non-opioid therapeutics for pain, an innovative solution to one of the most pressing issues in medicine.
Stanton McHardy“To be able to have an influence and impact in terms of research and drug discovery is really rewarding,” McHardy said. “The summit highlights the potential for expanding our collaborative research opportunities in Texas focused on brain health and pain.”
Additionally, UTSA students and post-doctoral students are presenting their research contributions this evening at a poster presentation. They include Kyle Pressley, Stephanie A. Villalon, Erick Olivares, Michael Vasko and Christian Cruz.
State legislators are also attending the summit to share perspectives that can help elevate brain health research through policy, funding and accessibility.
“It’s important to remember why we do this,” Hsieh said. “We want to hear from our state’s elected leaders, and ensure they hear from us. Together, we can further position Texas as a leader in brain research.”
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