Office of Team Science - Research Synergy Forum

The Yale School of Medicine (YSM) Office of Team Science (OTS) invites YSM faculty to the Spring 2026 Research Synergy Forum on Friday, May 29, focused on building new translational research partnerships. The goal is to connect investigators around shared questions, complementary expertise, and practical next steps.

The forum includes three parts:

• Pitchfest: Selected faculty (or trainees presenting on behalf of a selected lab) will give a two minute, one slide pitch outlining:
  • A translational research idea
  • The type of collaboration needed (Abstracts are required; timing will be strictly enforced.)
• Spring Fling Networking Session: A 45-minute, structured networking period following the pitches to discuss ideas, explore collaborations, and connect with colleagues.
• Pilot Research Award: All attendees may submit a proposal for one pilot award of up to $30,000 to support a new translational partnership. Proposals are due one week after the forum.

Research focusWe welcome ideas in the translational space, particularly those involving ex vivo cultures, human derived organoids, and iPSC models. Some of the research questions of interest include:

• Do you have clinical samples analyzed and looking to partner to understand the biology of it?
• Do you have a lab discovery that you want to validate in clinical samples?
• Have you developed an ex vivo/organoid model you would like to share with YSM community or partner with other investigators?
• Are you looking to validate your discovery using human derived models?

How to participate
Register here by Monday, May 18. You may register in either of the following ways to be eligible for the pilot award.

• As a presenter, please provide:
  • A pitch title
  • A short paragraph describing:
    • The research idea; and
    • Type of partner you are seeking
• As an audience member, you can participate in different roles:
  • Open to collaboration
  • Facilitator of connections
  • Interested in learning

Pilot award requirements

• Proposal teams must include two faculty members:
  • One Pitchfest speaker
  • One faculty member from a different department who attended the forum
• Funds may only be used for:
  • Research materials and supplies
  • Yale core and facilities services
  • External research services
• Funds must be spent within one year
• A brief scientific and financial report is required at the end of the award period

If you have questions, please contact Anna Arnal-Estapé at anna.arnal@yale.edu.

We look forward to your participation.