ICYMI: You're invited to San Diego's
Inaugural 2026 Research Summit


Hosted by the San Diego & Imperial Center of Excellence and 
Policy & Innovation Center


Join us on Friday, January 16th, for a morning of TED-talk-style presentations from some of the region's most dynamic leaders who are using data to strengthen communities, shape policy and build a more equitable future for all San Diegans.


The Summit will also unveil the San Diego & Imperial Research Hub, a new centralized online platform designed to align education, workforce and economic development research across the region and make it more accessible to the community.

Reserve Your Seat Today



📅 Friday, January 16, 2026

🕒 8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Breakfast 
 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Presentations
 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
 Lunch

📍 San Diego Miramar College | L-105 Auditorium

🎟️ Free to attend. RSVP required.

Why Attend?

Across San Diego County, organizations are using data and research to tackle some of our region’s biggest challenges—from housing stability and workforce shortages to behavioral health careers and AI-driven job changes in manufacturing—and much of this incredible work happens behind the scenes.


The 2026 Research Summit brings these efforts into the spotlight and offers a rare look at how research translates into action.

Featured Speakers & Topics:

  • Tara Ryan (City of San Diego): Creating Opportunities Where Young People Can Flourish
  • Teddy Martinez (San Diego Workforce Partnership): Investing in Neighborhoods With the Greatest Need
  • Nadia Privara Brahms (County of San Diego Behavioral Health Services): Expanding Access to Behavioral Health Careers
  • Karen Boyd (Policy & Innovation Center): AI and the Future of Work
  • Danene Brown (San Diego & Imperial Regional Consortium) & Taylor Dunne (San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation): Businesses & Community Colleges Matching Talent From Programs to Quality Jobs
  • Michael Dudley (Palomar College): Empathy vs. Apathy: Transforming Classroom Practice to Support Students
  • Heidi Vonblum (City of San Diego): Pathways to Building Homes for San Diego’s Families



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