Ken Walker International University hosted the Student Scientific Conference 2026, bringing together KWIU students, young researchers, and representatives of the academic community from various higher education institutions.
The conference was organized by KWIU’s student club, the Student Scientific Association, and provided participants with an opportunity to present their research, share experiences, and engage in scientific discussions with a broader audience.
The event welcomed Dr. Tori Ehrhardt, Emergency Medicine Physician at Emory University School of Medicine and Fellow in the Emory Medical Toxicology Program, as a special guest. During her visit, Dr. Ehrhardt attended student presentations, reviewed research posters, and discussed research projects with participants.
The scientific program featured both oral and poster presentations addressing current topics in medicine and biomedical sciences, including neurodegenerative diseases, gene therapy, regenerative medicine, bacteriophage research, oncology, women’s health, artificial intelligence in healthcare, and contemporary public health challenges.
KWIU students presented research in clinical medicine, medical education, healthcare innovation, and emerging technologies. Their work once again demonstrated the growing interest in scientific research, the development of research skills, and active academic engagement among students.
Throughout the conference, participants not only presented their own research but also exchanged experiences, ideas, and perspectives on current challenges and future developments in medical science. The event served as an important platform for scientific collaboration, knowledge sharing, and professional networking.
The conference’s special guest, Dr. Tori Ehrhardt, particularly highlighted the students’ academic preparedness and professionalism.
"The conference left a very positive impression on me. The research presented by the students, including both systematic reviews and original studies, was engaging and thoughtfully developed. It was clear that participants had invested significant effort into their work and approached their presentations with a high level of professionalism. What impressed me most was their confidence, preparation, and commitment to academic excellence. It was a privilege to meet these students and share experiences with them, and I am confident that they are already on the path toward successful professional careers," said Dr. Ehrhardt.
Zahra Siraj, a representative of the Student Scientific Association, reflected on the experience of organizing the conference.
"This was the first conference organized by our Student Scientific Association, and we are truly proud of what we achieved. The preparation process provided us with valuable experience in many areas, from abstract review and evaluation to participant communication and event coordination. The most rewarding part was seeing our ideas and hard work come together as a successful event," said Zahra Siraj.
One of the conference organizers and a KWIU student, Lolita Khalvashi, emphasized the scale of the event and the diversity of its participants.
"The conference brought together more than 100 participants. It was especially rewarding to welcome students from different universities to KWIU and to see them sharing research, exchanging ideas, and engaging in meaningful scientific discussions. We believe this conference will become a lasting tradition and continue to grow in both scope and impact in the years to come," said Lolita Khalvashi.
Fadi Tarek Mansour spoke about the organizational process and the experience gained through the event.
"Being involved in organizing the university’s first Student Scientific Conference was both a significant responsibility and a unique learning experience. While the process presented many challenges, each one provided an opportunity for growth and development. It was particularly inspiring to learn about the participants’ research interests and the projects they had been developing over the years. Presenting my own literature review was also a valuable experience. I am confident that this is only the beginning, and that many more successful conferences lie ahead," said Fadi Tarek Mansour.
Mariam Tarek Mansour highlighted the academic value of the conference and the active engagement of participants.
"The conference focused on medical innovation, and it was a pleasure to welcome students from universities across Tbilisi. Participants not only presented their research but also created opportunities to exchange knowledge, experiences, and ideas with one another. Both the oral and poster presentations reflected a high level of preparation and academic quality. We are proud of what we accomplished with our first conference and look forward to organizing even larger and more impactful events in the future," said Mariam Tarek Mansour.
At the conclusion of the conference, participants were awarded certificates in recognition of their contributions. The event once again demonstrated the high level of academic motivation, research potential, and engagement among students while reaffirming KWIU’s commitment to research-based education, international collaboration, and the support of scientific initiatives.
The Student Scientific Conference at KWIU marked an important step toward empowering young researchers and fostering a culture of scientific inquiry, laying the foundation for a tradition that will continue to grow in scale and impact in the years ahead.