The fifth annual Digestive Diseases Research Day, organized by faculty in the Institute for Biomedical Sciences at Georgia State University, was held Sept. 4, providing an opportunity for students and researchers across metro Atlanta to partner and share their research findings.

The one-day symposium, fully sponsored by the Shanthi V. Sitaraman Intestinal Pathobiology Endowment, was established by Regents’ Professor Didier Merlin to promote interaction and collaboration among researchers with interests in digestive diseases and related biomedical research in the Atlanta area.

Digestive Diseases Research Day provides graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, junior faculty, researchers and clinicians the chance to present their research findings, exchange ideas and establish collaborations with colleagues from Georgia State University, Emory University and other institutions. Approximately 35 participants attended the symposium held at Georgia State’s Indian Creek Lodge in Stone Mountain, Ga.

The program featured oral research presentations, including 10-minute short talks and 30-minute extended presentations, with opportunities for discussion and scientific exchange. The best three presenters were given a crystal plaque in recognition of their outstanding presentations.

Rachel Ninson, an undergraduate student in the Institute for Biomedical Sciences, received the Shanthi Sitaraman Student Award after successfully completing a 10-week summer internship focused on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and presenting her research findings at Digestive Diseases Research Day. She received a $2,500 award and a crystal trophy at the event.

“Digestive Diseases Research Day provides a valuable platform for scientists, clinicians and trainees to share discoveries, foster collaborations and advance research on digestive diseases,” said Jun Zou, the event organizer and an assistant professor in the Institute for Biomedical Sciences. “By bringing together researchers from different institutions and career stages, the symposium encourages new ideas, creates opportunities for collaboration and strengthens the digestive disease research community in the Atlanta area.”