About the Symposium

The UVA × INSERM Virtual Research Matchmaking Symposium connects researchers at the University of Virginia and INSERM to identify new opportunities for international collaboration.

Through focused discussions and structured networking, participants will introduce their research programs, share areas of expertise and explore opportunities for future joint research initiatives. The event aims to foster meaningful scientific partnerships and establish the foundation for long-term collaboration between the two institutions.

Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026 | 8:30 a.m. to noon EDT (1:30 to 5 p.m. CET) | Virtual

Hosted by the University of Virginia and INSERM, the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research

Note: Because North America ends daylight saving time later than Europe, Oct. 29, 2026 falls during the brief period when Virginia is on EDT and France is on CET, making the difference 5 hours rather than the usual 6 hours.

Areas of Interest

Researchers working in the following areas are encouraged to participate:

  • Medical imaging, including ultrasound, MRI and cardiovascular applications
  • Immunology
  • Public health
  • Cancer research
  • Neurology

Symposium Goals

  • Introduce researchers with complementary expertise
  • Identify potential areas for collaborative research
  • Facilitate discussion around shared scientific priorities
  • Explore opportunities for future joint projects, funding proposals and institutional partnerships
  • Build connections that may inform future collaboration agreements between UVA and INSERM

Agenda

Agenda is subject to change.

Time (EDT)Time (CET)Session
8:30 to 8:40 a.m.1:30 to 1:40 p.m.Welcome
8:40 to 10 a.m.1:40 to 3:00 p.m.Research Area Breakouts: Presentations
10 to 10:30 a.m.3:00 to 3:30 p.m.Research Area Breakouts: Feedback Discussion
10:30 to 10:40 a.m.3:30 to 3:40 p.m.Break
10:40 to 11:45 a.m.3:40 to 4:45 p.m.Matchmaking Plenary
11:45 a.m. to noon4:45 to 5:00 p.m.Closing and Next Steps

Presenters

Medical Imaging

UVA

Mathews Jacob 

Kenneth Bilchick 

Amit Patel 

INSERM

Cyril Lafon 

Ivan Suarez 

Pierre-Emmanuel Rautou 

Alexis Broisat

Immunology

UVA

Coleen McNamara 

Melanie Rutkowski 

Justin Taylor 

INSERM

Orianne Villard

Public Health

UVA

Melissa Little 

Rebecca Krukowski 

Jonathan Crowe 

Srini Venkatramanan 

INSERM

Valérie Nicolas

Cancer

UVA

Natasha Sheybani 

Mohammad Fallahi-Sichani 

Kristin Anderson 

INSERM

Heather Etchevers

Neurology

UVA

Michael Sheehy 

INSERM

Denis Vivien 

Stephane Marinesco

Participation

Researchers from UVA and INSERM who are interested in establishing new international research collaborations are encouraged to participate. For more information or to express interest in participating, contact: