March 13, 2026, 9am – 3:30pm, Memorial Union 800 Langdon Street, Madison, WI 53706
Join us this spring, for the 2026 RISE-THRIVE Symposium, as we examine health and wellbeing across the lifecourse. Engage in a campus-wide interdisciplinary symposium on aging across the lifespan, that include social, medical and technological advances. Explore connections and research through –
Lightning Talks with Facilitated Discussions: Fast-paced 5-minute overviews of lifecourse and RISE THRIVE research from UW–Madison and beyond, followed by directed discourse to elevate the topical theme.
Special Panels: Hear about relationship building with foundations and philanthropic organizations, and it’s impact on research. Or join the special humanities panel as the expand discourse on thriving, wellbeing and longevity.
Graduate Poster Session: Featuring student and faculty research projects during our networking lunchtime.
Networking Opportunities: A dedicated time during lunch and the end of the day to engage informally with faculty, staff and students— a great opportunity to share your lifespan and RISE-THRIVE related priorities, connect with emerging talent and research, and add your name, interests and research to the affinity map.
Friday March 13, 2026, 9am-3:30pm
- 9:30 – 10:45am Concurrent Session 1: Communicating Your Research – Skill builder
- Session A: Communicating Your Research to Policy Makers
- Join the LaFollette School of Public Affairs team and learn how to best communicate your research to policy makers.
- Session B: Communicating your work to Public & Community Audiences
- Session C: How Foundation Partnerships Drive Innovation and Impact (tentative)
- Special guest panel. More details coming soon.
- 11:00am – 12:15pm Concurrent Session 2
- Session D: Working with infants and children
- Session E: Working with Older Adults
- Session F: Working with People with Disabilities
- 12:30 – 1:30pm Lunch: Graduate Posters & Networking
- Network with colleagues and visit graduate posters
- 1:45 – 2:45pm Concurrent Session 3
- Session G: Places, Health & Aging
- Session H: Immunology as Personalized Medicine
- Session I: Adaptations for Aging – Modifying our everyday for living/equity
- 2:45 – 3pm Ice Cream Break
- 3 -3:30pm Closing Activities: Affinity Mapping & Networking
- Join a theme table to discuss shared ideas and generate new relationships
- Share your work, connections and ideas by contributing to the affinity map
A flash talk is an individual presentation delivered by a primary researcher in the particular topical area of the symposium. Flash talks offer the opportunity for authors to present their research at the symposium in a 5-minute talk, accompanied by 1-3 slides. They are brief, punchy, and convey information about a novel perspective, technique, clinical protocol, or research results. For instance, one Flash Talk may describe an innovative interdisciplinary program. Another may describe results for a translational clinical trial or pilot study. You can find many great examples of flash talks and slides using a search engine of your choice.
These submissions can discuss empirical results, methods and tools, or applications of their field of research. We will accept 5-6 outstanding flash talks in each subject area for presentation at the symposium.
*Only 1 presenter per flash talk
Due to the size of the symposium, we are limiting submissions to one in total.
Abstract* Please limit yourself to 200 words or less. Your abstract should be a brief, high-level overview of the empirical research, methods and tools, or applications of science that will be presented. The abstract should describe the findings.
Submissions open Jan 20 – Feb 6, 2026 at 5pm. Notice of acceptance will be sent no later than end of day, February 16, 2026.
Graduate Poster Submission
The 2026 RISE THRIVE Symposium is a wonderful opportunity to showcase your research to your fellow students and faculty and staff from across the university. All students participating in research related to the RISE-THRIVE initiative, whether just starting out or with years of experience, are encouraged to participate! This is a great chance to learn how to make a poster and present to a friendly and supportive audience.
RISE-THRIVE, which stands for Transforming Healthspan through Research, InnoVation, and Education, is set to harness and grow the university’s reputation as a global powerhouse in interdisciplinary health research. All research that fits within one of the topical areas of this years symposium is eligible for submission.
Why share your work? Your research matters. Gain recognition from your peers. Inspire others. Spark conversations that lead to breakthroughs. Shape the future. Collaborate with others who are as energized by research and discovery as you are.
These submissions can discuss empirical results, methods and tools, or applications of their field of research. Your submission should align with one of the symposium topical areas.
*Only 1 presenter per poster.
Due to the size of the symposium, we are limiting submissions to one in total.
Poster Printing Guidelines: All posters should be 48″ wide x 36″ tall with a 1″ border or 48″ square with a 1″ border. Note: poster display spaces are only 48″ wide, and each display board holds one poster on each side. Presenters with oversized posters will need to work within the space provided.
Abstract* Please limit yourself to 200 words or less. Your abstract should be a brief, high-level overview of the empirical research, methods and tools, or applications of science that will be presented. The abstract should describe the findings.
Submissions open Jan 20 – Feb 6, 2026 at 5pm. Notice of acceptance will be sent no later than end of day, February 16, 2026.
Questions, comments or concerns?
Please Contact Erin Bailey, enbailey@wisc.edu
