Document Type
Poster
Keywords
scholarly communications; GW Research Day Showcase; public health research; research impact
Publication Date
Spring 2026
Abstract
Background: Research Day at the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health (GWSPH) serves as a cornerstone for showcasing scholarly excellence, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and strengthening engagement across academic and professional sectors. Over recent years, the event has evolved from a traditional academic showcase into a dynamic platform that connects students, faculty, alumni, and external stakeholders while amplifying the reach and impact of public health research.
Methods: This descriptive analysis synthesizes participation metrics, disciplinary representation, award distributions, engagement data, and dissemination trends from GWSPH Research Day events held between 2023 and 2025. Data sources included event records, presenter lists, award documentation, institutional analytics on research dissemination, and reports from collaborating research centers, institutes, and supporting offices.
Results: Between 2023 and 2025, GWSPH Research Day experienced substantial growth in scale, diversity, and influence. The 2025 Research Showcase featured over 200 presenters, representing a 58% increase from 2024 and a 130% increase from 2023. Research spanned nine academic disciplines, with 77 students recognized across 19 award categories. The event was supported by more than 22 research centers and institutes, with judges representing seven GW schools, over 20 university offices, and engaged alumni. Beyond campus, GWSPH participation extended to university-wide platforms such as the GW Bioinformatics Symposium and GW InnovationFest, highlighting interdisciplinary and cross-sector contributions. Over the three-year period, the showcased research was accessed by more than 300 institutions worldwide and downloaded more than 1,300 times annually (2023, 2024, 2025). Notably, engagement from the commercial sector increased steadily and surpassed the education sector in 2025, reflecting expanding real-world relevance and application.
Conclusion: GWSPH Research Day has transformed into a powerful catalyst for discovery, collaboration, and engagement. The sustained growth in participation, interdisciplinary reach, and cross-sector interest underscores the event’s role as a launchpad for ideas and a bridge between research and impact. By fostering meaningful connections, enhancing research visibility, and supporting the development of emerging scholars, GWSPH Research Day continues to shape the future of public health research and innovation at both institutional and global levels
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Open Access
1
Accelerating Research Excellence Through Cross-Sector Engagement: The Impact of GWSPH Research Day (2023-2025)
Background: Research Day at the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health (GWSPH) serves as a cornerstone for showcasing scholarly excellence, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and strengthening engagement across academic and professional sectors. Over recent years, the event has evolved from a traditional academic showcase into a dynamic platform that connects students, faculty, alumni, and external stakeholders while amplifying the reach and impact of public health research.
Methods: This descriptive analysis synthesizes participation metrics, disciplinary representation, award distributions, engagement data, and dissemination trends from GWSPH Research Day events held between 2023 and 2025. Data sources included event records, presenter lists, award documentation, institutional analytics on research dissemination, and reports from collaborating research centers, institutes, and supporting offices.
Results: Between 2023 and 2025, GWSPH Research Day experienced substantial growth in scale, diversity, and influence. The 2025 Research Showcase featured over 200 presenters, representing a 58% increase from 2024 and a 130% increase from 2023. Research spanned nine academic disciplines, with 77 students recognized across 19 award categories. The event was supported by more than 22 research centers and institutes, with judges representing seven GW schools, over 20 university offices, and engaged alumni. Beyond campus, GWSPH participation extended to university-wide platforms such as the GW Bioinformatics Symposium and GW InnovationFest, highlighting interdisciplinary and cross-sector contributions. Over the three-year period, the showcased research was accessed by more than 300 institutions worldwide and downloaded more than 1,300 times annually (2023, 2024, 2025). Notably, engagement from the commercial sector increased steadily and surpassed the education sector in 2025, reflecting expanding real-world relevance and application.
Conclusion: GWSPH Research Day has transformed into a powerful catalyst for discovery, collaboration, and engagement. The sustained growth in participation, interdisciplinary reach, and cross-sector interest underscores the event’s role as a launchpad for ideas and a bridge between research and impact. By fostering meaningful connections, enhancing research visibility, and supporting the development of emerging scholars, GWSPH Research Day continues to shape the future of public health research and innovation at both institutional and global levels
Comments
Poster presented at the GWSPH Research Day 2026.