The Building Bridges Conference is Georgetown University Center for Health Equity’s annual signature conference, bringing together researchers, clinicians, students, trainees, educators, community leaders, policymakers, and advocates committed to advancing health equity.
Each year, the conference serves as a forum for sharing innovative research, highlighting community-engaged initiatives, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and creating meaningful opportunities for mentorship and professional development. Through keynote presentations, panel discussions, learner scholarship presentations, and networking opportunities, participants engage in critical conversations focused on addressing health disparities and improving health outcomes for all communities.
The conference reflects the Center for Health Equity’s mission to promote health equity through research, education, clinical innovation, and community partnership.
Why Attend?
Participants will have the opportunity to:
Learn from leaders in health equity research, education, and practice
Explore innovative approaches to addressing health disparities
Share research and scholarly work
Connect with interdisciplinary collaborators and community partners
Discover mentorship and professional development opportunities
Engage with learners, investigators, and health equity champions across Georgetown University and partner organizations
Continuing Medical Education
Continuing Medical Education (CME) will be provided to those who attend the Conference. Please check back on our website for more details.
2026 Conference Details
The 4th Annual Building Bridges to Healthier CommunitiesConference will take place on Thursday, September 10, 2026from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm ET, in person at the Georgetown University Capitol Campus (111 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001). The room will be announced. The conference will include a keynote speaker, panelists, networking opportunities, as well as presentations and posters from learners and grant awardees.
🗓️ Thursday, September 10, 2026
🕐 8:00 – 3:00 p.m. E.T.
📍Georgetown University Capitol Campus, 111 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001
Register for the 4th Annual Building Bridges to Healthier Communities Conference:
Agenda
To be announced
Featured Sessions
Important Dates to Remember:
Call for poster presentation abstracts: now through 8/10
RSVP to the RAISE Speed Networking Session: open now while slots remain
Best Abstract Awardee Announced: September 3, 2026
We encourage submissions related to health equity, community-engaged research, population health, health services research, medical education, and related topics.
Submissions are open to ALL students and learners, including undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, master’s, medical students, nursing students, doctoral degree students (PhD, EdD, etc.), fellows and postdoctoral fellows, as well as residents.
Your abstract should be no more than 400 words and include several pieces of information, including but not limited to, background, methods, results and discussion. You will also need to include how your work’s health equity implications and list at least two learning objectives.
Building Bridges Best Abstract Award Opportunity: All submitted abstracts will be considered for the Building Bridges Best Abstract Award.
Abstracts will be evaluated based on their relevance to health equity, potential to advance equitable health outcomes, quality and rigor of the work, originality of the approach, and potential impact on communities, policy, education, clinical care, or public health. Reviewers will also consider how clearly and effectively the abstract communicates its key findings and significance.
This award provides an opportunity to receive recognition for your work and can be a valuable addition to your CV, resume, and future academic or professional applications.
The RAISE (Research Accelerator program for Innovation in Scholarship Equity) Speed Networking Session is an interactive event designed to create meaningful connections between students, learners, and faculty conducting health equity research across Georgetown University, MedStar Health, and beyond, and to help spark potential mentorship and research opportunities.
Event Objectives:
Highlight faculty engaged in health equity research across MedStar Health and Georgetown University
Create opportunities for students and learners to connect with health equity researchers
Explore potential mentorship, collaboration, and research experience opportunities
What to Expect: The RAISE event will be a speed networking session where participants rotate between tables for brief, focused conversations with faculty, mentors, and peers. You’ll have the opportunity to share your interests, learn about ongoing research, and discuss possible next steps for engagement.
