Translational cannabis, polysubstance use science is focus of 6th annual UK Substance Use Research Event

The University of Kentucky has set the date for its sixth annual Substance Use Research Event (SURE) and registration is currently open.

SURE will be held on April 23, 2024, in the UK Gatton Student Center from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. This free event showcases translational research conducted at UK focusing on substance use and substance use disorder.

“As we work to gain a comprehensive understanding of human health, we are tasked with recognizing and exploring how various types of substance use affect people,” said Cassandra Gipson-Reichardt, Ph.D., an associate professor in the UK College of Medicine and organizing committee chair for the event. “The focus of the next Substance Use Research Event is on two areas of investigation: cannabis and polysubstance use. We know the grasp substance use has on the Commonwealth and our hope is that the latest scientific work we’re highlighting can help make a difference.”

Speakers this year will include:

• Jibran Khokhar, Ph.D., Canada Research Chair in Translational Neuropsychopharmacology and associate professor of anatomy and cell biology at the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry at Western University, “Cannabis and the Vulnerable Brain: A Closer Look at Genetics, Adolescence, and Edible Poisonings”

• Linda Cottler, Ph.D., dean’s professor of epidemiology in the College of Public Health and Health Professions and the College of Medicine at the University of Florida, “Polysubstance Use: Back to the Future”

The following symposia will be led by UK faculty:

• “Cannabis Science: Emerging Trends and Public Health Implications”

• Shanna Babalonis, Ph.D., assistant professor, behavioral science, UK College of Medicine, UK Cannabis Center director

• Josh Lile, Ph.D., professor, behavioral science, UK College of Medicine

• “Elevating Lived Experience: How the Survivors Union of the Bluegrass Community Advisory Board is Enriching Translational Addiction Research”

• Trevor Moffitt, Ph.D., research staff, UK Center on Drug and Alcohol Research and Substance Use Priority Research Area

• William Stoops, Ph.D., professor, behavioral science with joint appointments in the departments of psychiatry and psychology

• “Translational Research in Polysubstance Use: What’s in the Mixture?”

• Michael Bardo, Ph.D., research professor, cognitive neuroscience, UK College of Arts and Sciences

• Mikhail Koffarnus, Ph.D., associate professor, family and community medicine, UK College of Medicine

• “Alcohol, Tobacco, and Cannabis: Bench to Bedside to Boardroom”

• Anel Jaramillo, Ph.D., assistant professor, pharmaceutical sciences, UK College of Pharmacy

• Amanda Fallin-Bennett, Ph.D., assistant professor, UK College of Nursing

Two types of awards will be presented at the conference. The Cannabinoid Science Travel Award, supported by the UK Cannabis Center, is available for early career and junior investigators presenting on cannabinoid science. The Poster Award Competition, supported by the Substance Use Priority Research Area, will accept posters and enter them into competitions of the following categories: staff, undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral. To apply for these awards, follow the link here.  

The free event is open to all members of UK and the greater Lexington community who are interested in the field. Attendees must register in advance here.

SURE 2024 is sponsored by the UK Office of the Vice President for Research. For more information, visit UK Research.