3rd Annual Research Symposium
October 30, 2026
SMC Campus Center
University of Maryland, Baltimore
A full day of addiction science presentations and networking with opportunities to present your work at a poster session or flash talk session.
About the Annual Research Symposium
Each year, the Kahlert Institute for Addiction Medicine is proud to host its Annual Research Symposium & Poster Session. This event brings together leading experts, scientists, students and practitioners for a day of insightful discussions, innovative research presentations and valuable networking opportunities in the field of addiction medicine. Join us to explore advancements and foster collaboration aimed at improving understanding and treatment of addiction.
Featured Keynote Speakers
Michael Michaelides, PhD
Chief, Biobehavioral Imaging and Molecular
Neuropsychopharmacology Section
NIDA, Intramural Program
Erin Winstanley, PhD
Professor of Medicine,
University of Pittsburgh;
MPI, Appalachian Node of NIDA Clinical Trials Network
Featured Paired Translational Talks
Catherine Haga, PhD
University of Maryland, Baltimore
Corinde Wiers, PhD
University of Pennsylvania
Matthew Banks, PhD
Virginia Commonwealth University
Johannes Thrul, PhD
Johns Hopkins University
Agenda (tentative)
8:00 - 8:30 AM | Registration and Breakfast
8:30 - 9:00 AM | Opening Remarks
Kelly Dunn
Director of the Kahlert Institute for Addiction Medicine
9:00 - 10:00 AM | Keynote Address
Erin Winstanley, PhD
University of Pittsburgh
Fentanyl on the Map: Geographic Variations in Use and Barriers to Buprenorphine Initiation
10:00 - 10:15 AM | Break
10:15 - 11:15 AM | Translational Pairing
Matthew Banks, PhD
Virginia Commonwealth University
Utility of Preclinical Polysubstance Use Disorder Models for Basic Neuroscience and Medication Development Research
Johannes Thrul, PhD
Johns Hopkins University
Using Smartphone-Based Assessment Strategies to Investigate Substance Co-Use and Polysubstance Use
11:15 AM - 12:30 PM | Lunch Provided
Designated Tables for Optional Networking with NIH Program Officers
12:30 - 1:30 PM | Keynote Address
Michael Michaelides, PhD
NIDA Intramural Research Program
Brain Drug Exposure and Circuit-State Control: New Strategies for Improved Pain and Addiction Therapies
1:30 - 1:45 PM | Break
1:45 - 2:45 PM | Translational Pairing
Catherine Haga, PhD
University of Maryland, Baltimore
Harnessing Circuit-Dissecting Genetic Tools to Study Opioid Action in Neural Substrates
Corinde Wiers, PhD
University of Pennsylvania
Brain Energetics and Metabolic Therapeutics in Alcohol Use Disorder
2:45 - 3:00 PM | Break
3:00 - 3:20 PM | Lightning Talks
TBA
3:30 - 5:00 PM | Poster Session & Networking
5:00 PM | Closing Remarks & Awards
Registration
This seminar is free and open to everyone. Space is limited, so registration is required to help us manage attendance. We encourage you to register as soon as possible to guarantee your spot.
Explore Past Symposiums
Learn more about previous Kahlert Institute Research Symposiums, including programs, speakers, poster presentations, and event highlights.