Convergence Research Celebration 2026
DAVIS, Calif. — From healthier wheat and advances in genomics to caregiving research and microbiome science, the 2026 Convergence Research Celebration showcased how UC Davis researchers are breaking down disciplinary boundaries to tackle complex challenges in health, agriculture and society.
The June 9 event featured a series of TED-style presentations from leading UC Davis researchers whose work exemplifies convergence research by bringing together expertise from diverse fields to generate new discoveries and solutions. Hosted by Ted Wun, associate dean for Clinical and Translational Research for the School of Medicine and director of the Clinical and Translational Science Center (CTSC), the gathering emphasized UC Davis’ longstanding commitment to collaboration and team science.
A special highlight of the celebration was the attendance of UC Davis Chancellor Gary S. May, and Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Mary Croughan as guests of honor, underscoring the university’s commitment to fostering interdisciplinary research and innovation.
The celebration opened with remarks from Kim E. Barrett, vice dean for research for the School of Medicine. Barrett welcomed attendees and highlighted the growing opportunities for collaboration across UC Davis campuses and the success of the Convergence Pilot Awards program. She reported that the program has generated publications, new grant submissions and approximately $3.6 million in reported extramural funding from a maximum pilot investment of $200,000.
Throughout the afternoon, seven faculty presenters illustrated how convergence research is informing their own projects:
Distinguished professor of plant sciences Jorge Dubcovsky from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.
Blake Meyers, distinguished professor of plant sciences and director of the UC Davis Genome Center.
Cristina Davis, associate vice chancellor of interdisciplinary research and strategic initiatives, and professor in the College of Engineering, who presented alongside professor of internal medicine Nick Kenyon, associate director of the CTSC and director of the UC Davis Asthma Network,
Alex Fauer, assistant professor in the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing's Family Caregiving Institute.
Karen Bales, interim director of the California National Primate Research Center and professor with appointments in psychology and neurobiology, physiology and behavior.
School of Medicine professor of medical microbiology and immunology Dennis Hartigan-O'Connor.
Hannah Savage, UC Davis Weill School of Veterinary Medicine professor of microbiology, immunology and pathology.
Following the presentations, speakers returned to the stage for a panel discussion moderated by Courtney Lyles, professor of public health sciences and director of the Center for Healthcare Policy and Research. The discussion explored the opportunities and challenges of collaborative science and the importance of bringing together different perspectives to accelerate discovery and translation.
The afternoon concluded with a networking reception and exhibitor showcase featuring the School of Medicine Office of Research, CTSC, UC Davis Library, Comparative Pathology, Center for Healthcare Policy and Research, Aggie Square Animal Behavior Core, Tech Foundry, Mouse Biology Program and the NAMS Testing Center. The reception provided attendees with opportunities to connect across disciplines and explore new partnerships for future research endeavors.
