State of the Science Symposium
Connect, Discover, and Advance the Field
Join fellow investigators to share and explore new research and innovative methods in hospice and palliative medicine. The 2027 State of the Science Symposium (SOTS), presented by the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AAHPM) and the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association (HPNA), is being held as a full-day pre-conference symposium held prior the 2027 Annual Assembly of Hospice and Palliative Care on March 17, 2027, at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in
Pittsburgh, PA.
About the Symposium
The purpose of the State of the Science Symposium is to support and advance the science of hospice and palliative care by promoting community and multidisciplinary collaboration, building capacity through investigator development, and fostering cutting-edge research by scientists at all career stages.
Participants will:
- Hear from leading investigators about innovative and rigorous emerging research designs, methods, and technologies in hospice and palliative care.
- Network as a scientific community to foster interdisciplinary collaborations.
- Participate in investigator development activities that support researchers across all research career stages.
- Showcase your original research at the Annual Assembly by submitting to the Late-Breaking Scientific Research or Early Career abstract submitted through the Fall Call.
Attendees of the 2027 State of the Science Symposium will have until Wednesday, June 30, 2027 at 11:59pm PT to claim CE credits.
Within an inclusive community of interprofessional palliative and hospice care scientists, participants will:
- Foster cutting-edge research focused on care for people with serious illness that impacts practice, policy, and social justice.
- Engage with a diverse research community to promote networking, collaboration, and mentor-mentee relationships.
- Refine knowledge and skills in research methods and scientific professional development across the career trajectory.
This symposium is designed for professionals and trainees committed to advancing care for people with serious illness through research.
This includes:
- Researchers & Scientists
- Physicians
- Advanced Practice Nurses
- Registered Nurses
- Pharmacists
- Physician Assistants
- Psychologists
- Social Workers
- Chaplains & Spiritual Care Providers
- Fellows, Residents, Students, and Other Trainees
Whether you’re actively involved in hospice and palliative care research or exploring it as a future career path, this symposium offers valuable insights, connections, and development opportunities.
Schedule at a Glance
Explore the March 17 pre-conference symposium agenda and see how the day unfolds from opening sessions to closing discussions. All times are listed in Eastern Time.
Please note: schedule is subject to change.
| 4:30 P.M. | Networking Social |
| 8:00 A.M. | Welcome and Overview of the Day |
| 8:30 A.M. | Opening Keynote |
| 9:00 A.M. | Morning Plenary |
| 9:45 A.M. | Break |
| 10:00 A.M. | Morning Breakout Block: Methods Workshops |
| 11:45 A.M. | Break |
| 12:00 P.M. | Networking Roundtables* |
| 1:00 P.M. | Break |
| 1:15 P.M. | Afternoon Panel |
| 2:15 P.M. | Break |
| 2:30 P.M. | Afternoon Breakout Block: Career Development Sessions |
| 3:30 P.M. | Break |
| 3:45 P.M. | Afternoon Plenary |
| 4:30 P.M. | Summary and Close |
| 5:00 P.M. | Adjourn |
*Important Note: Lunch will be provided for all registered attendees during Wednesday’s noon Networking Roundtables.
Check back in late fall for expanded session descriptions and speaker information when the 2027 Annual Assembly schedule goes live.
How to Register
Registration for the State of the Science Symposium will be available as part of the 2027 Annual Assembly registration process under the Pre-Conference Workshops section. Registration opens in mid-October 2026.