The Duke Clinical Research Institute (DCRI) recently welcomed 33 students to the 2026 Summer Training in Academic Research (STAR) Program — the largest cohort since the program’s launched in 2012. STAR is a research training program for high school, undergraduate, and medical students that combines virtual and in-person instruction in research methodology and scientific writing.

The American Heart Association announced the reappointment of Adrian Hernandez, MD, MHS, to its Southeast Board of Directors for the 2026–2027 fiscal year, recognizing his continued leadership and commitment to advancing the organization’s mission.

The Duke Clinical Research Institute (DCRI) Fellowship Program recently entered a new chapter as Daniel Gonzalez, PharmD, PhD, assumed the role of director and Jennifer Rymer, MD, MBA, MHS, became associate director on July 1. The appointments follow six years of leadership from Sana Al-Khatib, MD, MHS, Adam Goode, PhD, DPT, and Neha Pagidipati, MD, MPH, who guided the DCRI’s flagship postdoctoral training program through a period of significant growth and transformation.

Behind every successful Duke Clinical Research Institute (DCRI) study or partnership are the people whose efforts made it possible. On Tuesday, June 30, the DCRI came together virtually as the finale of the organization’s Town Hall to celebrate the fourth annual 2026 DCRI Excellence Awards.