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Lexington Today
By the People, for the People
UK Hosts Infectious Disease Research Day March 19
Annual event brings together scientists to share breakthroughs in protecting Kentucky's health and economy
Published on Mar. 2, 2026
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CURE-KY, a consortium dedicated to expanding the impact of infectious disease research across Kentucky, will host its annual Infectious Disease Research Day on March 19, bringing together scientists from across the university to share breakthroughs that directly protect the health and economy of the Commonwealth.
Why it matters
The event highlights a multidisciplinary effort to address critical issues ranging from the state's equine industry to the rising threat of multidrug-resistant pathogens, helping to accelerate discoveries that can directly improve infectious disease prevention, diagnostics and treatment.
The details
The event, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Gatton Student Center, will feature keynote speakers and presentations across three key areas: infection during pregnancy, pathogen surveillance, and interventions and treatments. Researchers will share insights on topics like how maternal aging affects early embryonic development in horses, new testing panels for enhanced disease surveillance, and a new platform for efficient vaccine development.
- The event will take place on March 19, 2026.
- Registration, breakfast, and opening remarks will begin at 8 a.m.
The players
CURE-KY
A consortium dedicated to expanding the impact of infectious disease research across Kentucky.
Ilhem Messaoudi, Ph.D.
Acting vice president for research, professor and chair in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics in the College of Medicine.
Tom Stout, Ph.D.
The Albert G. Clay Endowed Chair in Equine Reproduction at UK's Gluck Equine Research Center in the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment.
Rebecca Wilkes, D.V.M., Ph.D.
The director of the UK Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory in the Martin-Gatton CAFE.
Vince Venditto, Ph.D.
An associate professor in the UK College of Pharmacy.
What they’re saying
“By sharing ideas across colleges and disciplines, ID Day helps accelerate discoveries that can directly improve infectious disease prevention, diagnostics and treatment.”
— Ilhem Messaoudi, Acting vice president for research, professor and chair in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics in the College of Medicine (Mirage News)
What’s next
After the event, CURE-KY will hold a business meeting to discuss the next steps for the consortium.
The takeaway
This annual event demonstrates the University of Kentucky's commitment to addressing critical infectious disease challenges facing the Commonwealth, leveraging cross-disciplinary collaboration to drive breakthroughs that can directly improve public health and the state's economy.
