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 2026 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 2026 Annual Assembly of Hospice and Palliative Care on March 4, 2026, at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, CA.
About the Symposium
This symposium is to support and advance the science of hospice and palliative care by fostering community and multidisciplinary collaboration, building capacity through investigator development, and sharing the latest in research and design methods by scientists at all career stages wishing to:
- Network as a scientific community to foster interdisciplinary collaborations.
- Learn the latest in research design and methods.
- Participate in investigator development activities across all research career stages.
- Present your original research during the Annual Assembly meeting that follows (Scientific Research and Early Career fall call).
Attendees of the 2026 State of the Science Symposium will have until Monday, June 30, 2026 at 11:59pm PT to claim CE credits.
Within an inclusive community of interprofessional palliative and hospice care scientists, participants will:
- Synthesize 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 foster 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.
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 flow of this March 4 full-day pre-conference symposium designed to deliver an immersive learning experience.
| 8:00 A.M. | Welcome and Overview of the Day |
| 8:15 A.M. | ASCENT Basecamp: Developing and Supporting a Nationwide Interdisciplinary Scientific Community |
| 9:00 A.M. | Creating Connections: Morning Networking Experience |
| 10:00 A.M. | Break |
| 10:15 A.M. | Methods Breakouts |
| 11:30 A.M. | Lunch |
| 12:00 P.M. | Dialogue & Discovery: Themed Networking Tables |
| 12:45 P.M. | AAHPM & HPNA Research Award Winners |
| 1:45 P.M. | Break |
| 1:50 P.M. | Evolving with the Scientific Landscape |
| 3:00 P.M. | Break |
| 3:15 P.M. | Workshops for Early-, Mid-, and Later- Career Investigators |
| 4:20 P.M. | BREAK |
| 4:30 P.M. | Summary and Close |
| 5:00 P.M. | Adjourn |
How to Register
Registration for the State of the Science Symposium is available through the 2026 Annual Assembly of Hospice and Palliative Care registration process under the Pre-conference Workshop section.
Please note: Online registration for the SOTS or any other Assembly preconference workshops only is not available. If you would like to register for the SOTS Symposium only, please contact Member Services at 847.375.4712 or [email protected].
State of the Science Program Committee
Kathleen Unroe, MD MHA MS, Co-Chair
Joan Carpenter, PhD CRNP ACHPN FPCN, Co-Chair
Rachel Wells, PhD MSN RN CNL, Past Co-Chair
Stacy Fischer, MD, AAHPM Scientific Advisor
Heather Coats, PhD APRN-BC FPCN FAAN, HPNA Director of Research
Prasanna Ananth, MD MPH MS
Karen Bullock, PhD LICSW APHSW-C FGSA
Deborah Ejem, PhD MA
Jennifer Gabbard, MD
Shena Gazaway, PhD RN CHPN
Mary Isaacson, PhD RN CHPN FPCN
Sarina Isenberg, PhD MA
Erica Kaye, MD MPH
Virginia LeBaron, PhD ACHPN FAAN
Kristin Levoy, RN MSN PhD OCN
Melissa Mazor, PhD MS RN
Michael Smith, PharmD FCCP FAAHPM
Jill Steiner, MD MS
Karla Washington, PhD MS