Welcome, Colleagues and Future Leaders in Pediatric Research,

As the new chair of the Department of Pediatrics at the IU School of Medicine, I am pleased to welcome you to the 2026 MSPR Meeting, held here in Indianapolis. This city has a rich tradition of innovation in medicine, research, and education, and is home to the Indiana University School of Medicine and Riley Hospital for Children.

As we gather in Indianapolis, we come together united by a common purpose: improving the lives of children through discovery, innovation, and collaboration. The work presented at this meeting reflects not only scientific excellence but also a profound commitment to addressing the challenges facing children and families today and to creating a healthier future for generations to come.

The MSPR has long been a catalyst for advancing pediatric research, fostering mentorship, and building a vibrant community of investigators, clinicians, educators, and trainees. This meeting provides a unique opportunity to share new ideas, challenge conventional thinking, and forge collaborations that can accelerate progress in child health. Equally important, it offers a chance to inspire one another—to celebrate accomplishments, nurture emerging talent, and reaffirm the values that bring us together as a scientific community.

At Indiana University and Riley Hospital for Children, we are honored to host this year's meeting and to welcome colleagues from across the Midwest and beyond. We are proud to be part of a community that recognizes that every discovery, every partnership, and every new question pursued has the potential to improve the lives of children and families.

I encourage you to take full advantage of the opportunities this meeting offers: engage in thoughtful discussion, seek new collaborations, support and mentor the next generation of pediatric investigators, and be inspired by the remarkable work of your peers. My hope is that you leave Indianapolis not only with new knowledge and professional connections, but also with renewed energy, purpose, and optimism for the future of pediatric research.

Thank you for being part of MSPR 2026. We are delighted to welcome you and look forward to a memorable, meaningful, and impactful meeting.

Best wishes,

Douglas K. Graham, MD, PhD
Chair of Department of Pediatrics
Richard L. Schreiner Professor of Pediatrics
Indiana University School of Medicine
Physician in Chief, Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health