Translational Research Forum
Building the Bridge Between Clinicians and Scientists
The Translational Research Forum highlights translational research, with a focus on collaborative research between basic and clinical scientists. The goal is to produce meaningful and applicable results that directly benefit human health.
The forum brings attention to ongoing translational research studies at Albany Medical College that have the potential to impact patients. It also opens the lines of communication between clinicians and scientists to start new collaborations.
Program
Unless otherwise noted, forums are held on the first Thursday of every month from 4 to 5 p.m. in Huyck Auditorium and via Webex. We host a diverse scope of clinicians and scientists who discuss their translational research programs. Discussion includes how translational research efforts begin and are fostered, and how challenges are overcome.
Huyck Auditorium is located on the main floor of the A Building at Albany Medical Center. Information on past forums, including annual recaps, can be found by contacting Miranda Bryant, Administrative Assistant, Molecular & Cellular Physiology.
Upcoming Forums
Note: This forum has been rescheduled from Aug. 7, 2025.
Michael Robek, PhD, professor and chair of the Department of Immunology and Microbial Disease, will present, "Immunotherapeutic Approaches for Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection."
Despite the availability of a protective vaccine, an estimated 250 million people worldwide are chronically infected with the hepatitis B virus (HBV), and approximately one million people die each year from chronic liver diseases such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma that result from this infection.
Because current therapies for chronic HBV control but rarely cure the infection, there is a critical need for new approaches to treating this disease. A strong immune response is generated to HBV in adults who become acutely infected and clear the virus. In contrast, in newborns and young children who typically become chronically infected, the immune response is much weaker. Because it can eliminate the virus but often fails, the human immune system is an attractive target for therapeutic manipulation.
Immunotherapies, including therapeutic vaccination, are promising new tactics for curing chronic HBV infection. We are developing new immunotherapeutic approaches for chronic HBV, which have the potential to impact public health by expanding the repertoire of therapies beyond those currently employed.
The forum schedule is also available on our Events calendar page.
Organizing Committee
Harold Singer, PhD
Chair and Professor, Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology
[email protected]
C. Michael DiPersio, PhD
Vice Chair of Research, Department of Surgery
Professor, Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology
[email protected]
Gabrielle Fredman, PhD
Professor, Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology
[email protected]