Established in 1993, the Summer Research Conference (SRC) facilitates rigorous and in-depth discussion of an overarching topic area in urologic research. These conferences attract leaders in the field including clinicians and both early-career and established investigators in urology and related fields. It provides a forum to promote not only scientific exchange critical to research advancements but also the careers of early-career investigators through education, networking, mentoring, and encouragement. It also offers an intense and intimate venue to meet research leaders and learn about emerging research concepts and methods. The SRC is typicallly held every two years at AUA Headquarters in Linthicum, MD, but is on hiatus for 2018.

2016 Summer Research Conference

2016 Topic: Targeting Epigenetics and Genome Regulation to Improve Urologic Health

This topic has become increasingly pursued in numerous fields and understanding the influence of epigenetics, which involves genetic control by factors other than DNA sequence in both malignant and benign urologic diseases and conditions, has the potential to rapidly advance therapeutic approaches in urology due to the knowledge already established in other fields. Therefore, the conference will include experts from several fields outside of urology. The purpose of this conference is to bring together 1) leaders in the field of epigenetics and genome regulation and 2) investigators inside and outside of urology to increase understanding of epigenetic factors in the development and progression of urologic disease and facilitate effective approaches to therapeutically target these factors.

The American Urological Association designates this live activity for a maximum of 11.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Full Conference Agenda

2014 Summer Research Conference

"Patient Phenotyping: Advancing Treatment of Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction": September 13 – 14, 2014

The 2014 American Urological Association (AUA)/Society for Basic Urologic Research (SBUR) Summer Research Conference, "Patient Phenotyping: Advancing Treatment of Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction" was held on September 13 – 14 at the AUA Headquarters in Linthicum, MD. The program chairs were Toby Chai, MD, J. Quentin Clemens, MD, and Michel Pontari, MD.

This conference was intended to complement and synergize with the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) Measurement of Urinary Symptoms (MOMUS) and Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction Research Network (LURN) initiatives. Additionally, the AUA's National Urology Research Agenda (NURA) specifically identifies BPH and urinary incontinence as major priority areas and advancing progress in those areas is relevant to the AUA mission. The presentation and poster sessions during the meeting aimed to advance progress in urology research by fostering new opportunities for collaborations between basic and clinical participants, and lead to the translation of discoveries between laboratory and clinical settings. The information shared during this meeting helped advance the goals of the MOMUS and LURN by facilitating progress in understanding the etiology and natural history of LUTD and development of comprehensive symptom assessment tools through patient phenotyping.

2012 Summer Research Conference

The 2012 American Urological Association (AUA)/Society for Basic Urologic Research (SBUR) Summer Research Conference, "Hormones in Urologic Health and Development" was held August 11 – 12 at the AUA Headquarters in Linthicum, Maryland. The chairs for the meeting were Allen Seftel, MD, and Natasha Kyprianou, PhD.

2012 marked the 20th anniversary of the annual Summer Research Conference. This particular symposium was designed to enhance the understanding of the physiological interactions of hormone within the genitourinary system during development, assess the roles that hormones play as the body ages, define the current state of androgen receptor targeting, and relate these strategic areas to the critical need for future medical breakthroughs in urology to treat and cure diseases in patients of all races, ages, and ethnicities. The program also featured poster displays and talks from National Institutes of Health (NIH) training officers on career development and funding opportunities.

Previous Summer Research Conference Programs

2011: Aging and Urologic Diseases [pdf]
2010: Urinary Incontinence: Integrating Basic and Clinical Research Perspectives [pdf]
2009: Decreasing Mortality from Bladder Cancer over the Next Decade [pdf]
2008: Sexual Medicine [pdf]
2007: Clinical Trials and Outcomes Research [pdf]
2006: Urothelial Biology & Bladder Cancer [pdf]