In this edition:

Feature

Funding (* New Opportunities)

*NOSI: Translating Biomaterials-Based Technologies to Commercially Viable Products

Invites NIH SBIR and STTR applications focused on advancing paradigm-shifting biomaterials-based technologies leading to commercialized products. Additionally, this NOSI aims to generate private-sector interest and engagement in the development of innovative and emerging biomaterials-based technologies of biomedical and clinical relevance with high commercialization potential.

*NOSI: Women’s Health Research

NOSI highlights interest in receiving research applications focused on diseases and health conditions that predominantly affect women (e.g., autoimmune diseases; depressive disorders, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Alzheimer’s disease-related dementias (ADRD), gender-based-violence), present and progress differently in women (e.g., cardiovascular disease; HIV; reproductive aging and its implications), or are female-specific (e.g., uterine fibroids; endometriosis; menopause).

RNA Delivery Technologies to Allow Specific Tissue Target Homing (RNA-DASH) – Due April 5

This funding opportunity aims to support the development and/or pre-clinical studies of non-viral technologies to deliver RNA-based therapeutics into disease-relevant cells and tissues in vivo. Projects may focus on a single or multiple cells or tissues. Emphasis will be placed on organs, tissues and cell types that are clinically relevant but for which no effective in vivo delivery technologies are currently available.

Pediatric Research Alliance Pilot – LOI Due April 11

Children's and Emory offer pilot grants for faculty and centers in the Pediatric Research Alliance. These pilots are designed to stimulate new research projects, build new collaborations, and increase extramural funding for pediatric research.

Georgia CTSA Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Research Design RFP – Due April 12

Georgia CTSA’s Biostatistics, Epidemiology & Research Design program is soliciting proposals to support novel methodological research in biostatistics, epidemiology, or health services research to advance clinical & translational research. Review criteria include quantitative methodological research to fill gaps, innovation, feasibility, and plans for dissemination & translation. New investigators are encouraged to apply.

Education and Training

Emory T32 Post-Doctoral Training Program to End the HIV Epidemic – Interest Form Due April 12

The goal of this program is to train post-doctoral candidates from diverse backgrounds and disciplinary expertise in health services research, through utilization of a multidisciplinary approach to expose trainees to multiple methods and research areas, from epidemiology and biostatistics to behavioral and social sciences, biological sciences, and health policy and implementation. The program has a special emphasis on research addressing disparities or inequities based on factors such as race/ethnicity, sex/gender, socioeconomic status, geographical residence, healthcare access, and physical/mental disability. Proposals should thus have a component that addresses equity or disparities. Contact Tracy Obertone for questions. Full applications due May 3.

Emory Master of Science in Clinical Research – Apply by April 15

The Emory Master of Science in Clinical Research (MSCR) degree program in the Laney Graduate School provides innovative didactic and mentored research training to those interested in pursuing a career in clinical and/or translational research. The MSCR degree is designed for predoctoral (medical students or PhD students), postdoctoral trainees (resident and fellow physicians or PhD postdocs), and junior faculty (physicians, PhD-level scientists). View flyer.

Phlebotomy 101 Training – April 25 & 26

Phlebotomy 101 is a two-day introductory classroom and clinical hands-on training that teaches the techniques of venipuncture. Led by the GCRC nurses, the course is offered to Georgia-CTSA affiliated partners.

Certificate Program in Translational Science (CPTS) Request for Applications - Due May 1

The Certificate Program in Translational Science (CPTS) is a formal 16-credit Emory Laney Graduate School program for trainees who seek to conduct research at interface between basic and translational science and clinical medicine. The CPTS enhances and transforms translational research training for predoctoral PhD students, postdoctoral fellows (PhD or MD) & junior faculty at Emory, MSM, Georgia Tech & UGA.

ATLANTIS Pre- and Postdoctoral Training Program – Apply by May 1

ATLANTIS is a U2C/TL1 training program that provides funds for trainee costs plus access to valuable professional development programming and active networking opportunities. Join a vibrant group of scientists tackling research problems related and relevant to the disciplines of kidney, urology, or hematology.

Summer Institute in Statistics and Modeling in Infectious Diseases - July 15-31

The Summer Institute in Statistics and Modeling in Infectious Diseases (SISMID) is designed to introduce infectious disease researchers to modern methods of statistical analysis and mathematical modeling. Scholarship Applications are now being accepted (students and post docs are eligible to apply)

Calling All Clinical Research Professionals: Discover the Power of eMPACT!

Are you looking for a free, comprehensive career navigation system that can help you achieve your professional goals in the field of Clinical Translational Science? Introducing eMPACT (Empowering Purposeful Advancement of Careers and Training in the Research Workforce), a dynamic platform designed to promote purposeful training and career advancement for professionals like you.

Free Online Trainings for Clinical Research Professionals

Georgia CTSA and SC CTSI created an Online Course Catalog with free course and program offerings available to clinical research professionals. Participants earn a certificate or badge with contact hours (continuing education – CE) from an accredited provider upon completion of a course or program (series of courses). Featured Program: Patient-Centered Drug Development and Real-World Evidence/Data Program

Research Resources

Georgia CTSA Clinical Research Centers (GCRCs) Services

Georgia CTSA Clinical Research Centers (GCRCs) offer dedicated space, experienced staff, and resources to support research at a competitive cost. We are here to support investigators of all experience levels from Emory University, Grady Memorial Hospital, Morehouse School of Medicine, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, and the University of Georgia. View Flyer.

Call for Mentors: Georgia CTSA TEAMS Program

Calling all mid to senior-level faculty from Emory, Georgia Tech, MSM, and UGA to join our Mentoring Community! Invest just ONE hour a month to pay it forward by lending your expertise to a junior faculty member and build your network. Georgia CTSA TEAMS (Translational Education and Mentoring in Science) is seeking experts in public health, clinical and translational science, community engagement, health equity, and more. Apply Now! View flyer.

Grant Wise

Would you like an experienced grant writer to help provide guidance for your grant? The Georgia CTSA Grant Wise service offers the opportunity for one-on-one feedback from experienced senior faculty on grant writing. Receive support with developing a timeline, reviewing specific aims, writing/editing the text, and responding to reviewers. Grant Wise is available to faculty of institutions within the Georgia CTSA - Emory, Georgia Tech, MSM, & UGA.

Georgia CTSA Match

Looking to connect with experts in your field? Join the new Georgia CTSA Match! The platform encourages meaningful networking and collaboration by pairing researchers based on similar interests. These matches will help you to build networking opportunities acting as a catalyst to spur your research forward. Discover more and Join Now!

Georgia CTSA Ethical Dilemma of the Week

Mentoring: Research Misconduct at the High School Level (PDF)

Multi-Site Clinical Trials

TIN Request for Collaborators on GlioDex Trial

This is an open request for collaboration on the research study: Conservative vs. Empiric Use of Perioperative Dexamethasone in Glioblastoma Patients, GlioDex. Dr. Akshitkumar Mistry from the University of Louisville is seeking a site-level investigator to collaborate on the GlioDex trial that examines the role of dexamethasone on survival outcomes of Glioblastoma patients. If you are interested in being a site-level investigator, please contact Mugisha Niyibizi.

PCORNet Request for Collaborators on AI for Clinical Language Trial

This is a request to PCORNet-affiliated researchers for collaboration on the research study: Generalizable AI for clinical language understanding using nationwide datasets. Drs. Vivek Rudrapatna and Trinabh Gupta from University of California, San Francisco and the University of California, Santa Barbara are seeking a site-level investigator to collaborate on this trial that examines the accuracy and cost-effectiveness of clinical Large Language Models trained using various data sources. If you are interested in being a site-level investigator, please contact Mugisha Niyibizi.

PCORNet Request for Collaborators on ALS Trial

PCORNet Request for Collaborators on a maternal health study

Innovation & Translation

Bench2Market Talks: Opportunities through CROs – April 17

Contract research organizations (CROs) can extend your startup’s capabilities and speed up the development of your biomedical innovations. Hear from three CROs and one academic innovator who has worked extensively with CROs. CROs on the panel will include Marta New, Founder and CEO at Radyus Research, Kalpana Raman, Director of Business Development at Veranex, and Evan Goldberg, Director of Scientific Affairs at Global Center for Medical Innovation. Also on the panel is Dr. Eric Miller, Assistant Professor, Emory SOM, with extensive anti-viral drug development experience.

Bioentrepreneurship Networking— April 18

Join Dr. Lucienne Ide from 4:30 – 6:00 PM in HSRB-II, 6th floor, N600, for a discussion of lessons learned and some of the highs and lows of digital health entrepreneurship. Dr. Ide is currently the founder and CEO of Rimidi, a digital health company focused on improving outcomes in chronic disease management. Dr. Ide’s career journey has moved from physics to venture capital to physician scientist (Emory MD/PhD 2009) to entrepreneur. Gain valuable knowledge from her lessons learned. Food will be provided.

Bio LaunchPad Seminar – April 30

Join Georgia CTSA Innovation Catalyst’s Kevin Wu, UGA, from 11AM-12PM in Petit Biotech Building, Suddath Seminar Room 1128, or via Zoom, for a lunch and learn about the different non-dilutive funding options available to university startups in Georgia, including I-Corps, Georgia Research Alliance Funding, and Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) grants, as well as tips and tricks for applying.

Community

Learning Community for Writing, Dissemination and Reviewing Webinars – April 17 & May 16

Progress in Community Health Partnerships (PCHP) “Learning Community for Writing, Dissemination and Reviewing” is a pilot effort aimed at supporting collaborative writing teams and partners, especially community partners interested in building capacity for scholarly writing, on manuscript writing, publishing, disseminating your collaborative research, and peer reviewing. Join us virtually on April 17 and May 16 (Speaker: Tabia Akintobi, PhD, MD, Morehouse School of Medine.) View flyer.

Events

Georgia CTSA Maternal Health Webinar: Engaging pregnant people in clinical and translational research – April 8

Join us via Zoom on Monday, April 8, from 12:00 - 1:00 PM for a webinar to stimulate dialogue around challenges and opportunities in engaging pregnant people in clinical and translational research. Catherine Spong, MD, Professor and Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, will be leading this session. View flyer.

K-Club: Building Your Career Development Plan – April 8

Join us from 12:00-1:00 PM for a facilitated panel discussion led by Janet Gross, PhD, to discuss strategies for building your career development plan. We encourage you to attend in person if you can. Register by April 4 to reserve a lunch!

Heart of the Matter: Randomized Clinical Trials and Evidence-Based Cardiovascular Medicine – April 9

Join us for the Inaugural College of Veterinary Medicine Butler Lecture on Tuesday, April 9, from 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM in-person at University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education and Hotel, Masters Hall. Presented by Professor Faiez Zannad, MD, PhD, cardiologist, clinical pharmacologist, and emeritus professor of therapeutics at Université de Lorraine (France). Sponsored by the UGA College of Veterinary Medicine and the One Health Initiative.

AWSOM24 Conference – April 11–12

This two-day workshop highlights short talks in the areas of bioinformatics/single-cell analytics and experimental applications of single-cell technologies (e.g., scRNAseq, snATACseq, spatial transcriptomics) for biological, clinical, and translational research. Register by April 3 to attend in person, or attend via Zoom.

Donna J. Brogan Lecture in Biostatistics – April 15

Join us at 4PM in RSPH or via Zoom for “Building the Fred Hutch Data Science Lab in the Era of AI” presented by Jeff Leek, PhD.

13th Annual Public Health Ethics Intensive: Black Bioethics, Artificial Intelligence and Policy – April 16-19

Join Tuskegee National Center for Bioethics in Research and Health Care via Zoom for the Public Health Ethics Intensive Course that will build competency in the theory and practice of various spheres of ethics, including public health ethics, healthcare ethics, bioethics and research ethics, focusing specifically on their influence on race/ethnicity/sex/gender and class. CME is available. At 3:00 PM ET on April 17, Georgia CTSA investigator John Banja, PhD, Center for Ethics, Emory, will discuss ‘Artificial Intelligence and Minority Populations:  Monitoring the Ethical Challenges and Risks of Large Language Models’.

10th Annual Health Services Research Day – May 7

Join Georgia CTSA colleagues at Emory Rollins School of Public Health from 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM for this symposium and networking opportunity where researchers across Georgia will learn about ongoing quality, effectiveness, and value-based research activities. View flyer.

CTSA: TL1 Visiting Science Working Group Debate - May 21

Save the Date for the Spring 2024 TL1 Visiting Science Working Group Debate, "Smart Medicine or Algorithmic Dilemmas: The Pros and Cons of AI in Healthcare," virtually from 10AM–12PM CT. We encourage trainees to attend. The event is hosted by the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and Emory School of Medicine and co-sponsored by CTSA Coordination, Communication, and Operations Support (CCOS). 

CTSA: Learning Health Systems (LHS) Collaborative Workshop – May 22

Join CTSA Program representatives, researchers, clinicians, policymakers, healthcare innovators, opinion leaders, and other health professionals at Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute in Charlotte for an in-person event. Gain a common understanding of LHS, form teams around LHS research, and help identify ways the CTSA can support LHS – including implementation science and operations research to address translational science barriers.

2024 Annual Southeastern Pediatric Research Conference – June 7

The 2024 conference is our thirteenth annual conference and will take place at the Georgia Tech Hotel and Conference Center, bringing together clinicians, scientists, and bioengineers to showcase cutting-edge child health research. This year's conference theme is "Pediatric Research in the Digital Age: Innovation, Collaboration, and Translation." 

2024 Pediatric Early Career Researcher Conference – August 27 (Abstracts Due: April 15)

Call for abstracts is now open! Abstracts are welcome from child health researchers who are residents, medical fellows, post-doctoral fellows (PhD), and junior faculty with a rank no higher than assistant professor. All abstracts are considered for poster presentations. Select abstracts will be chosen for oral presentation. Encore abstracts are welcomed.