2026 UNITE Research Showcase

UNITE is excited to host the 2026 UNITE Research Showcase on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Gatton Student Center. The UNITE Research Priority Area is a university-wide initiative designed to bring together groups of investigators, trainees and colleges with a focus on impactful research. Through the support of the UK Office of the Vice President for Research, the RPA hosts a dynamic showcase to elevate research vital to the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The 2026 UNITE Research Showcase will highlight research that advances the development of children, youth and families in the Commonwealth through keynote addresses from national leaders in their fields, breakout sessions presented by local researchers and a poster session displaying the work of our faculty and students.

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HEAR FROM OUR KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

THE COLLEGE OF SOCIAL WORK DEAN'S LECTURE SERIES Hill Harper, MPA, J.D. 9:00 AM | Ballroom AB

HARVARD LAW ALUMNUS

Humanitarian, Actor, Author

Hill Harper is a humanitarian, an award-winning actor, and a best-selling author. Harper starred in numerous television and film projects and has served as the National Spokesperson for Big Brothers Big Sisters. Harper holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Brown University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. He has been awarded eleven honorary doctoral degrees, including one from Providence College.

CONTRIBUTOR

University of Kentucky College of Social Work Dean’s Lecture Series

AFTERNOON/LUNCH KEYNOTE ADDRESS Joia Crear-Perry, M.D., FACOG 1:00 PM | Ballroom AB

PHYSICIAN

Former Region V Chair – National Medical Association

Joia A. Crear-Perry is a physician, policy expert, and thought leader. Crear-Perry has twice addressed the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to elevate a human rights framework toward addressing maternal mortality. After completing undergraduate studies at Princeton University and Xavier University, Crear-Perry received her M.D. from Louisiana State University and completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Tulane University’s School of Medicine.

CONTRIBUTORS

University of Kentucky College of Medicine and College of Arts and Sciences

ENGAGE WITH OUR BREAKOUT SESSIONS

2026 UNITE Research Showcase panelists and moderator for the Health Disparities breakout session on April 28th at 10 am in the Gatton Student Center Senate Chamber

2026 UNITE Research Showcase panelists and moderators for the Economics and Law breakout session on April 28th at 10 am in the Gatton Student Center Room 330AB

2026 UNITE Research Showcase panelists and moderators for the Education breakout session on April 28th at 11:30 am in the Gatton Student Center Senate Chamber

2026 UNITE Research Showcase panelists and moderators for the Community Advancement breakout session on April 28th at 11:30 am in the Gatton Student Center Room 330AB

NETWORK DURING OUR POSTER SESSION

2:00 PM | Ballroom C

University of Kentucky faculty, trainees and students will present their ongoing research to advance children, youth and families across the Commonwealth. The postdoctoral/graduate and undergraduate poster session will be a competition.

Prizes

1st Place - $1,250

2nd Place - $750

3rd Place - $500

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The UNITE Research Priority Area is profoundly grateful for the generous contributions of the following colleges at the University of Kentucky:

College of Social Work Dean's Lecture Series
College of Medicine
College of Arts and Sciences
College of Public Health