2026 Annual Retreat
Department of Biomedical Informatics
Event Information
Date: Tuesday, August 25, 2026
Time: 8:30 a.m.—5:30 p.m.
Location: Denver Museum of Nature and Science | 2001 Colorado Blvd, Denver, CO 80205
RSVP by Tuesday, August 11
Additional Details
Who Can Attend: DBMI Faculty, Secondary Faculty, Postdocs, Predocs, Students, Research Staff, and Administrative Staff
Parking: Available on-site
Food: Complimentary breakfast and lunch will be provided, hors d'oeuvres will be served during the afternoon networking session
About the DBMI Annual Retreat
The Department of Biomedical Informatics (DBMI) Annual Retreat is a special occasion designed to bring together our vibrant community of faculty, staff, and students for a full day of engagement, learning, and inspiration. This year’s retreat promises to be an enriching experience, featuring a dynamic lineup of faculty presentations that highlight cutting-edge research and innovative projects.
In addition to the talks, the retreat will offer interactive activities tailored to foster collaboration and community building across all roles and levels. Attendees will also have the opportunity to explore a diverse array of poster sessions, showcasing the work of students and researchers and sparking meaningful conversations.
Whether you're looking to share your work, connect with colleagues, or gain new insights, the DBMI Annual Retreat is the perfect setting to celebrate our collective achievements and envision the future of biomedical informatics together.
Schedule of Events
8:30 – 9:00 AM | Arrival & Breakfast
Start the day with coffee, breakfast, and casual conversation. This informal networking time is an opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, meet new faces, and ease into the day’s program.
9:00 – 9:10 AM | Opening Remarks
A brief welcome to kick off the day, including housekeeping notes and an overview of the goals and flow of the retreat.
9:10 – 9:30 AM | Department Updates
Hear the latest from department leadership, including promotions and new hires, major grants and awards, and updates on strategic initiatives such as CHAI and key partnerships. This session sets the context for the day ahead and highlights recent momentum.
9:30 – 10:30 AM | Keynote Talk
A keynote address featuring Michael M. Hoffman, PhD, Senior Scientist and Chair (Computational Biology Medicine), Princess Margaret Cancer Centre (UHN); Associate Professor, University of Toronto; Faculty Affiliate, Vector Institute
10:30 – 10:45 AM | Break
Refresh, stretch, and continue conversations before the next session.
10:45 AM – 12:00 PM | Faculty Presentations
A fast‑paced series of talks from faculty members highlighting key projects, new research directions, and real‑world impact.
12:00 – 1:10 PM | Lunch & Poster Session
Enjoy lunch while exploring posters and engaging directly with colleagues. Faculty are encouraged to circulate, ask questions, and spark conversations.
1:15 – 2:15 PM | Trainee Presentations
Spotlight talks from trainees showcasing outstanding student and postdoctoral work across the department.
2:15 – 2:30 PM | Break
A short break and transition into interactive sessions.
2:30 – 3:45 PM | Breakout Sessions & Scavenger Hunt
An interactive, high‑energy session focused on connection and discovery. Participate in guided discussions, meet new collaborators, or engage in a scavenger hunt designed to encourage cross‑group interaction and creative thinking.
3:45 – 4:00 PM | Closing Remarks
Wrap‑up reflections highlighting key takeaways from the day, and acknowledgments of speakers, organizers, and participants.
4:00 – 5:30 PM | Networking Reception (Sky Terrace)
Close out the day with drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and informal discussion in a relaxed setting. A chance to deepen conversations, follow up on new ideas, and celebrate the community.