2025 Innovation Lab
Quantitative Approaches in Spatial Multi-Omics for Guiding Personalized Medicine
June 2025 · Nashville, Tennessee
"Our 2025 Biomedical Data Science Innovation Lab (BDSIL) was an overwhelming success, bringing together a fantastic cohort of participants from across the country whose energy, creativity, and collaborative spirit exceeded all expectations. Learning from each other about the promise and potential of spatial multi-omics towards personalized medicine and the data science required to get there was an intellectual treat! The workshop was elevated by an exceptionally dedicated and insightful group of mentors, whose guidance proved invaluable throughout the week. Our incredible facilitators created an environment that was both intellectually stimulating and deeply supportive, ensuring that every voice was heard and every idea explored. Held in vibrant and welcoming Nashville—Music City, USA—the in-person workshop added an extra layer of excitement and camaraderie, with lively evenings and unforgettable moments that perfectly complemented the ambitious and focused work during each day. The 2025 BDSIL truly set a new standard for innovation, teamwork, and fun."
— Dr. Jack Van Horn, Director
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Participants
30 junior faculty and researchers from across the country were specially selected to make up our 2025 participants. They brought their ideas, data, creativity, enthusiasm, and team spirit to the workshop as they generated creative strategies focused on the use of data science approaches in spatial multi-omics, particularly as applied to understanding cancer and rare diseases.
At the conclusion of the 5 day lab, participants created 7 research projects. Groups will continue to develop these projects over the next few months and years with the intent to submit for funding and publication.
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Mentors
The Mentor Team was composed of 5 senior investigators that brought their experience, encouragement, and support to the developing participant teams. Mentors met with the teams as they are forming to provide feedback, guidance, and direction. They reinforced the positive aspects of potential team projects while asking clarifying questions about areas in need of improvement.
A sincere thank you to our 2025 Mentor Team: Dr. Afsaneh Doryab of University of Virginia, Dr. Audrey Hendricks of University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Dr. Shannon Hughes of the National Cancer Institute, Dr. Jessica Li of University of California, Los Angeles, and Dr. Chongzhi Zang of University of Virginia.
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Provocateurs
At various times during the Biomedical Data Science Innovation Lab, it is important to be challenged, pushed, and encouraged. That’s where our provocateurs come in — Dr. Leroy Hood, Dr. Wei-Qi Wei, and Dr. Frank Harrell gave short, disruptive, and thought-provoking lectures about their experiences to inspire participants and their research ideas.
A sincere thank you to our Provocateurs: Dr. Leroy Hood of Institute of Systems Biology, Dr. Wei-Qi Wei of Vanderbilt University and Dr. Frank Harrell of Vanderbilt University.
