The Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) Work-in-Progress (WIP) Seminar runs concurrently as a course, BSGP 7950, which primarily enrolls graduate students. The course format is in person for speakers and enrolled students. We may provide a virtual option as well, but this will be determined based on a trial run in the first few weeks of the course. Individuals not located on The Ohio State University main campus can request a link to join virtually if they are not a speaker or a student enrolled in the course.
The spring 2026 IDI WIP seminar will continue the established WIP award program by the Microbial Communities and Host Defense and Microbial Biology program directors to to incorporate professional development/research support awards for presenters). The IDI WIP professional development/research support awards can be used toward travel/registration costs to attend and present at a research conference or other similar activities. Presenters can be anyone in the lab, including PIs and technicians, but only graduate students and postdoctoral presenters will be eligible for awards. Awards will be based on the following criteria:
- Must be a graduate student or hold a postdoctoral appointment
- Present as part of the IDI WIP
- Attend a minimum of two-thirds (2/3s) of the IDI WIP seminars
This seminar series encapsulates two thematic program areas within the IDI – Microbial Communities and Host Defense and Microbial Biology. Therefore, any topic within the scope of immunology, microbiology, ecology, genetics or biochemistry of host-microbe biology, biomaterials, and cancer interactions with immunology or microbes is allowable.
Presentations are to be approximately 60 minutes in length. The first 40 minutes will feature a talk covering a work-in-progress topic of the presenter’s research choosing, followed by a 20-minute discussion which can range from a mostly completed project to ideas and thoughts regarding the development of a new project. Feedback forms will be given to in-person attendees as well as to speakers with the goal of providing feedback regarding their presentation and scientific area.
The IDI WIP provides an ideal venue for trainees to craft their research presentations for an interview or for a research conference. This format encourages trainees to present their future research ideas and WIP attendees to offer guidance and assistance.
Available dates include January 9 – to April 24, 2026, on Thursday afternoons from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. in 165 DHLRI.