PancreasFest 2026 - PROJECT SUMMARY Advancing our understanding of human pancreatic diseases, especially pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer, requires the cooperative effort of a network of clinical centers of excellence and the regular meeting of thought leaders in the field. The course objectives for PancreasFest 2026 will enhance progress on meeting research priorities highlighted by the National Commission of Digestive Diseases. Specifically, we will 1) Critically review advancements in medical, endoscopic and surgical managements to pancreatic diseases; 2) Critically review acute and chronic pancreatitis and pancreas cancer clinical-translational research; 3) Discuss new emerging therapies for pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer, and facilitate a round table discussion on how to accelerate meaningful therapies for these highly disabling conditions. PancreasFest was first hosted at the University of Pittsburgh over 20 years ago, with the aim of creating a collaborative environment for learning and networking. In 2023, CAPER (Collaborative Alliance of Pancreatic Education & Research) became the organizing body for PancreasFest, and now the meeting rotates locations, but recognizing the importance of Pittsburgh in the founding of PancreasFest, it returns to Pittsburgh in each odd numbered year. For 2026, PancreasFest will be held for the first time on the University of Minnesota campus at the Graduate hotel. The hosting organization CAPER is a nonprofit devoted to enhancing the career development of junior physician scientists in the field of pancreatology. PF focuses exclusively on fostering translational multi-center programs for pancreatic disorders. Attendees of past meetings uniformly praise PancreasFest for fostering collaborative research and for its emphasis on the importance of a small conference focused on pancreatic disorders. Multiple clinical working groups have emerged over the years through PancreasFest that focus on areas of NIDDK interest. Approximately 250+ medical professionals from varied medical disciplines register for PancreasFest each year, including physicians and scientists interested in the pancreas: pancreatologists, endoscopists, surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, molecular biologists, pediatricians, geneticists, epidemiologists, statisticians, systems biologists, subspecialty medical professionals, and experts in biomarkers. We encourage attendance from new faculty and fellows to ensure that the next generation of pancreatic investigators works directly with and learns from senior researchers in the field. Key staff from the NIDDK are invited to provide scientific insights. PancreasFest is also attended by representatives from industry and patient-focused foundations, such as CAPER, Mission:Cure, Rebecca’s Wish and the National Pancreas Foundation. The R13 funding is intended to support registration and travel for faculty, specifically for new investigators and trainees. PancreasFest 2026 will be held at the Graduate Hotel on the University of Minnesota campus in Minneapolis from July 22-24, 2026.
