18 Apr Enhancing the Clinical Research Experience: NED 2025
In April, ITHS welcomed research professionals from across the WWAMI region to the annual ITHS NED (Networking to Enhance Development) Conference. Hosted at the UW Medicine South Lake Union Campus, the 2025 NED Conference offered a full day of learning, networking, and professional growth. In collaboration with the University of Washington, Fred Hutch, and Seattle Children’s, this year’s event centered on the theme of Enhancing the Clinical Research Experience.
The morning plenary, Bringing the Lived Experiences of People into Your Research, presented by Michael Louella, BS, and Rahel Behailu, MPH, encouraged 
attendees to recognize and honor communities as equal partners in research. This session highlighted the importance of inclusion and lived experience in shaping community-centered outcomes.
Following the plenary session, attendees participated in a networking session and lunch, creating space for connections across disciplines, institutions, and 
experience levels. The afternoon featured two rounds of breakout discussion sessions covering topics including research operations, harnessing AI in clinical research, community-engaged research, and research ethics. These sessions prompted the attendees to share ideas and strategies to advance translational research efforts across the region.
As always, the 2025 NED Conference provided accessible professional
development for researchers and investigators at every career stage. With meaningful discussions, tangible next steps, and a strong emphasis on community, this
year’s conference reaffirmed the importance of learning through shared experiences in clinical and translational research.
