2023 High-Risk, High-Reward Research Symposium

June 8-9, 2023

The Bethesdan Hotel Tapestry Collection by Hilton, Bethesda, MD


The symposium brings together recipients of the High-Risk, High-Reward Research program's Pioneer, New Innovator, Transformative Research, and Early Independence awards to share their groundbreaking research and discoveries. The symposium is free and open to the public. Join us for scientific talks and posters from HRHR awardees and networking with some of the most creative scientists in the U.S.


Who should attend?

  • Recipients or the NIH Director's Pioneer, New Innovator, Transformative Research, and Early Independence awards
  • NIH staff and fellows
  • General public (students, lab workers, anyone interested in cutting-edge science and transformative discoveries)

How do I register?

Register for the symposium here. 

Who can present at the symposium?

Only NIH Director's Pioneer, New Innovator, Transformative Research, or Early Independence awardees are allowed to speak or present posters. HRHR awardees attending the symposium are encouraged (but not required) to participate in the program. 

What type of research is presented at the symposium?

The symposium showcases high-risk, high-impact research in topics spanning the broad mission of the NIH. It is unique in the breadth of science it covers and of the scientists it brings together. Past agendas and abstracts are available on the past events page.

How are speakers/posters selected for the program?

Abstracts must be submitted for talks and posters and will be reviewed by NIH staff. There are a limited number of speaking slots and poster spots, and not all submissions may be selected for the final program. Speaking priority is given to those towards the end of their award who have not spoken at the symposium before. Speaker selection will seek programmatic balance across science areas and award types. Poster slots will be given on a "first-come, first-served" basis.

What are the abstract requirements?

Abstracts are limited to 300 words and are due on March 31, 2023. You must log in to submit an abstract. The symposium is unusual in the breadth of the science represented. Abstracts and presentations should be prepared with a broad audience in mind. Please prepare with sufficient background and at such a level that non-experts in the field can readily understand the significance and impact of the research.