Researchers at MSU study a diverse range of subjects that fall under the umbrella of public health: healthy communities, mental health, physical health, nutrition, chronic diseases, aging and more. They also connect with health partners across the state of Michigan, including Henry Ford Health and Corewell Health among others. Programs through MSU Extension deliver this research and expertise for healthy lives and healthy communities to people throughout the state of Michigan. Collaborative team science is a foundational principle supporting much of the groundbreaking research disseminating from MSU. 

With this collaborative, team spirit as the guide, the Office of Research and Innovation is hosting the MSU Health Equity Symposium on Oct. 25 at the Kellogg Center in East Lansing. The theme of this inaugural symposium is "Leveraging Team Science to Achieve Equity," with symposium programming geared towards cultivating team science capabilities and how to leverage these strengths in the fight against health disparities. 

Academic research plays a crucial role in public health: addressing acute and long-term health issues through advances in clinical care, discoveries in basic and translational research and broad public health measures.

“We are looking forward to the conversations and connections that will be formed during this symposium. It is within these transdisciplinary teams where researchers work together from diverse areas of study to find innovative solutions to solving health disparities,” said Irving Vega, chair of the health equity symposium planning committee.

Two keynote speakers will deliver insightful remarks regarding health disparities. Addressing health disparities in Michigan will be Sarah Lyon-Callo, Senior Deputy Director, Public Health Administration, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. The second keynote will be delivered by Richard T. Benson, Director of the Office of Global Health and Health Disparities in the NINDS Division of Clinical Research, National Institutes of Health. Dr. Benson will talk about health disparities in U.S. and the link to the priorities and objectives of NIH to support research that addresses these important issues. These remarks will resonate with the community of researchers to drive positive change in health equity research. 

The symposium will serve as a platform for researchers to share insights, develop collaborations on innovative projects, and foster meaningful connections. This will be a working symposium, with afternoon programming featuring working tables organized around specific topics to advance transdisciplinary research projects aligned with MSU’s 2030 Strategic Plan goals, particularly those addressing health equity and social determinants of health.

For more information about the symposium, and to register, visit the Health Equity Symposium website.