Climate and Health “Big Idea” Symposium

The Climate & Health “Big Ideas” Symposium, held on January 22, 2026, convened Duke faculty, trainees, and institutional partners to share research, generate new collaborations, and advance innovative approaches to addressing the health impacts of climate change in the Carolinas and beyond. Hosted by the Climate and Health Research Initiative (CHeRI), the day‑long event emphasized interdisciplinary collaboration, translational science, and solutions with meaningful community impact.

The symposium opened with welcome remarks from Mary E. Klotman, MD, Executive Vice President for Health Affairs, Duke University, Dean, Duke University School of Medicine, and Chief Academic Officer, Duke Health, underscoring Duke’s commitment to climate and health research across disciplines.

The keynote address was delivered by Mary B. Rice, MD, MPH, Director of the Center for Climate, Health, and the Global Environment (C‑CHANGE) at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Dr. Rice highlighted the growing health consequences of climate change—particularly air pollution and extreme heat—and discussed evidence‑based interventions to protect vulnerable populations and promote climate resilience.

Throughout the day, Duke researchers showcased ongoing work supported by CHeRI and related units, followed by a “Big Ideas” pitch session in which newly formed interdisciplinary teams presented emerging project concepts and invited collaborators to help advance them. These sessions were designed to catalyze future research efforts aligned with Duke’s strengths in population health, environmental science, clinical research, and health equity.

Watch the full symposium recording