On October 9 and 10, 2014, as many as three hundred scientists, physician-scientists and trainees attended the annual international symposium of the University of Iowa Abboud Cardiovascular Research Center. First held in 2013, this symposium provides a special forum for center partners from the University Heidelberg in Germany, and from Peking University, China, to meet with UI scientists and leaders. In addition to presenting at the forum, partners participated in informal discussions of current and plans for future collaborative research projects.

Co-directors of the center, Drs. Barry London and Peter Gruber chaired the sessions. Symposium speakers included center alumni and former faculty who have become national leaders in cardiovascular research. Nobel Laureate, Martin Chalfie provided the keynote address. A highlight of the morning session was Dr. Abboud's perspective on the accomplishments of the center over the 40 years of its evolution under his leadership, entitled "What is Legacy?".