On November 20, 2024, The Texas Heart Institute (THI) held its first-ever Research Social, marking a significant shift from traditional podium presentations to a more interactive and collaborative event. This new format was designed to encourage one-on-one engagement, allowing researchers and support staff to connect and share their work in a more relaxed, social atmosphere. The event, hosted by THI’s Office of Research Administration, showcased The Institute’s commitment to fostering collaboration and innovation, with 13 research groups, including two from Baylor College of Medicine, participating in the afternoon.

The Research Social featured scientific poster presentations and technology demonstrations from the various THI labs, centers and core facilities. Researchers embraced the poster session as a forum to share their ongoing research with fellow scientists and discover new opportunities to collaborate. This event was a celebration of how the combined efforts of the entire THI community drive innovation and progress in cardiovascular medicine.

One highlight was a display of the novel CHeST prototype system to advance organ bioengineering, designed collaboratively by researchers in THI’s Regenerative Medicine Research department, Innovative Device & Engineering Applications (IDEA) Lab, and Electrophysiology Clinical Research & Innovations group. Another standout was the chance to hold and examine a  BiVACOR Total Artificial Heart, a cutting-edge titanium MAGLEV rotary blood pump currently undergoing clinical early feasibility studies.  Both the Center for Preclinical Surgical & Interventional Research and the Center for Clinical Research have been instrumental in in advancing this groundbreaking technology.

“Collaboration contributes significantly to the discovery science and engineering technologies The Texas Heart Institute is known for,” shared Darren Woodside, PhD, Vice President for Research at The Texas Heart Institute. “For the past four years we’ve hosted a Research Symposium where scientists and clinicians showcase their research portfolio, update colleagues on state-of-the-art approaches in cardiovascular science, and stimulate collaborations. This year’s new, truly interactive format encourages discussions that strengthen our culture of interdisciplinary science.”

Robert McNeil, Director, Research Operations, emphasized the unifying effect of the event. “So often, the non-research staff don’t have an opportunity to see how their day-to-day efforts move our mission forward and contribute to advancement of cardiovascular health. This afternoon, we had a special opportunity to showcase our innovative science with the entire Institute.”

Learn more about our innovations in cardiovascular research here: https://www.texasheart.org/research/