Society for Birth Defects Research and Prevention Conferences 2024–2028

Project Summary Abstract The Society for Birth Defects Research and Prevention (BDRP) will hold its 64h Annual Meeting at the Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown, in Pittsburgh, PA—June 22–26, 2024. The scientific program covers a wide range of cutting-edge research in birth defects and disorders of developmental origin. The 2024 session topics include the role of the microbiome in development; the role of stem cells in research; the epidemiology of congenital anomalies in minoritized populations; how to effectively communicate complex scientific concepts; exposures and biochemical pathways that lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes; facial morphology and dysmorphology; understanding the risks and mechanisms that underlie spina bifida; PFAS and placental dysfunction; developmental neuropathology; and DART strategies for oligonucleotides. BDRP encourages innovation in the field of birth defects research. Each year the abstract reviewers identify the abstracts that they find innovative and provide their reasons to the Awards Committee, They select the top three innovative abstracts to compete for the Innovator Award which recognizes innovative and translational research at the intersection of at least two of the following areas: basic science, new technologies, clinical research, policy, and outreach. Meeting attendees historically come from diverse professional backgrounds including basic and clinical scientists from the academic, industrial, and government research sectors. The BDRP Annual Meeting provides a unique forum where basic, clinical, and epidemiologic researchers come together to share progress toward a common understanding of the causes and mechanisms of birth defects and developmental disorders, and to translate these discoveries into clinical practice. The Society strives to encourage, engage, and mentor students and new/early-stage investigators (trainees), recognizing that its trainees represent the future of both the Society and the important scientific work necessary to fulfill its mission to understand and prevent birth defects. Through the establishment of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Committee, BDRP is exploring how to recruit and mentor students from under-represented and under-served populations. Specific events at the Annual Meeting encourage trainee participation, including a career night to introduce trainees to members from different disciplines; and a luncheon workshop highlighting professional development topics. Trainees are encouraged to present their research; eight to ten trainees are invited to compete for the prestigious Wilson presentation award in a special platform session, and all trainee poster presentations are judged for best poster presentation awards. Trainees are also encouraged to serve as ad hoc members on Society committees, thereby deepening their involvement within the Society. In this application, we are requesting funds to support Travel Awards for trainees to attend the 2024–2028 Annual Meetings, and to partially support travel expenses of key nonmember speakers who will help us educate and inspire these trainees.