Georgia CTSA Investigator Leads Discovery of Biomarker for Tracking Treatment Responses in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
eroundup
Georgia CTSA
Weekly eRoundup
October 3, 2025

Feature

Georgia CTSA Investigator Leads Discovery of Biomarker for Tracking Treatment Responses in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

“Indeed, the percentage of CLL cells that have PD-1 in the blood correlated with BTKi treatment response and progression,” says study lead Andres Chang, MD, PhD. “This suggests that PD-1 expression could be a useful biomarker to predict response and resistance to BTKi therapy. Additionally, eliminating CLL cells that express PD-1 could be a potentially useful therapeutic strategy.” Chang is a Georgia CTSA MSCR student and Pilot Grant Recipient.

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XR Innovation Center Seeks Proposals for Extended Reality Projects - Apply by October 15

The Emory XR Innovation Center in partnership with the Georgia CTSA AppHatchery are accepting applications for clinical research projects that explore extended reality (virtual reality and augmented reality) in health care and science. Two selected projects will receive support, including staff effort, technical expertise, and access to equipment. One Emory SOM faculty must be included as a project PI. Awardees will be notified by November 15.

Apply Now

Special Opportunities

Rare Diseases Are Not Rare! 2025 Challenge Prize Competition - Apply by January 2

More than 10,000 known rare diseases affect millions of people across the US. We want to help raise awareness about rare diseases, the people, and families they impact and the need for research and development of treatment strategies for addressing multiple rare diseases at a time. Whether through visual art, photography, music or another artistic medium, your work can inspire action and shine a light on the rare disease community.

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Funding (*New Opportunities)

*Clinical Trial Readiness for Rare Diseases, Disorders, and Syndromes - Due Dates Vary

NOFO invites researchers to submit applications for support of clinical projects that address critical needs for clinical trial readiness in rare diseases. The initiative seeks applications that are intended to facilitate rare diseases research by enabling efficient and effective movement of candidate therapeutics or diagnostics toward clinical trials and to increase their likelihood of success. This could be through the development and testing of rigorous biomarkers and clinical outcome assessment measures or by defining the presentation and course of a rare disease to enable the design of upcoming clinical trials.

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Emory/Georgia TRAC Pilot Grants - Proposals Due October 17

The Emory/Georgia TB Research Advancement Center (TRAC) announces Request for Applications to support TB-related research by early-stage and investigators new to TB. Due to recent changes, investigators at international partners are not eligible to apply. Questions? Email TRAC.

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*NIH Common Fund Launches the Complement-ARIE Reduction to Practice Prize - Phase I Due: March 1

The NIH Common Fund has teamed up with NASA’s Tournament Lab to launch the Reduction to Practice Challenge, a shared $7M total prize competition inviting innovative New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) solutions that demonstrate integrated, human-based platforms in a practical form within three years. The challenge includes three phases: proof of concept and feasibility studies, prototype development with milestone achievements, and prototype delivery for independent validation. Phase I submission deadline: March 1.

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Education and Training

Phlebotomy 101 Training - October 30-31

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. View 2025 Phlebotomy 101 Training Schedule.

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Georgia CTSA KL2 Program - Apply by February 2

Accepting applications for the Georgia CTSA KL2 Clinical & Translational Research Career Development Program supporting junior faculty committed to careers in clinical and translational research and science. Scholars receive salary support, $30,000 for research expenses, tuition for didactic programs, and up to two years of mentored training to become independent investigators. Applicants are encouraged to attend the October 16 AND 23 workshops for guidance. Applications are due February 2.

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Georgia CTSA TL1 Program - Apply by February 17

The TL1 Program provides innovative didactic and mentored clinical and translational research (CTR) training to individuals interested in careers that encompass CTR and clinical and translational science (CTS). Accepted trainees receive stipend support, tuition for MSCR or CPTS coursework, travel funds, and training-related expenses. Applicants are encouraged to attend Application Workshop on October 30. Register.

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Research Resources

President's Award of Distinction for Team Science - Due November 17

Nominations are now open for the 2026 Presidents’ Award of Distinction for Team Science, which recognizes outstanding multi-disciplinary Georgia CTSA research teams making innovative and impactful contributions to clinical and translational science. The winning team will receive $5,000 and be recognized at the 2026 Southeast Regional Clinical and Translational Conference. Apply Now. View Flyer. 

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Team Science Award of Distinction for Early-Stage Research Teams - Due November 17

Nominations are open for the 2026 Team Science Award of Distinction for Early-Stage Research Teams, which recognizes developing multi-disciplinary Georgia CTSA teams demonstrating strong potential for innovative and impactful advances in clinical and translational science. The winning team will receive $2,500 and be recognized at the 2026 Southeast Regional Clinical and Translational Conference. Apply Now. View Flyer. 
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Georgia CTSA Resources and Support Programs Guide

Are you a research investigator with an appointment at Emory, MSM, Georgia Tech, or UGA? This resource guide is for you! Take a look at the broad range of Georgia CTSA resources and support programs available including consult offerings, clinical/translational research & clinical trials, innovation & entrepreneurship, education & career development, grant writing, funding, collaboration, team science, databases, conferences, and more.

View Resources Guide

Innovation and Translation

XR Innovation Center Seeks Proposals for Extended Reality Projects - Apply by October 15

The Emory XR Innovation Center in partnership with the Georgia CTSA AppHatchery are accepting applications for clinical research projects that explore extended reality (virtual reality and augmented reality) in health care and science. Two selected projects will receive support, including staff effort, technical expertise, and access to equipment. One Emory SOM faculty must be included as a project PI. Awardees will be notified by Nov. 15.

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Bench2Market Talks: Design Controls Are NOT The Enemy - October 15

Join Biolocity on Wednesday, October 15, from 12:00-1:00 PM via Zoom, featuring R&D Executive Jason Glithero. Jason has over 20 years of medical device experience in using and upgrading design control systems that lead to agile and faster design development scenarios. This session will help you rethink compliance as a strategic advantage.

Register

ATDC Office Hours - October 28

The Advanced Technology Development Center (ATDC) at Emory will host office hours from 11:30 AM–1:30 PM at the Health Sciences Research Building-II (outside Lab2Launch, Room S125). Drop in to learn about ATDC programs and resources, explore funding opportunities, ask questions about startup growth, and enjoy light refreshments while networking.

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Community

Community Engagement Day - October 4

Join Morehouse School of Medicine for the 11th Annual Community Engagement Day on October 4, 10:00 AM-2:00 PM at the C.T. Martin Natatorium & Recreation Center. This free, family-friendly event will feature health screenings, food trucks, giveaways, special guests, and live entertainment, all under the theme Resilient Together: Building a Stronger Today for a Healthier Tomorrow. View Flyer.

Register

Events

Ease of Research Initiative Town Hall - TODAY at Noon

Emory Department of Medicine’s Ease of Research Initiative hosts monthly town halls on the first Friday of most months from noon-1:00 PM in a hybrid format. The October 3 session via Zoom will highlight the Georgia CTSA Navigator. This series is open to Emory DOM research faculty, staff, and trainees. Learn More.

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Blue Sky Group: Organoids - October 8

Join researchers and clinicians across Georgia CTSA on October 8 from 12:00–1:30 PM via Zoom for an open, collaborative discussion on organoids. Dr. Jimena Andersen, a leading researcher in the field of Cell and Developmental Biology, will kick off the conversation which may cover burning issues, funding opportunities, and cross-institutional collaborative research opportunities. Share your experience, network, and find collaborators! View Flyer

Register

Emory Implementation Science Networking - October 9

Join us from 4:00-6:00 PM in the Rollins School of Public Health, Klamon Room, for small bites, drinks, and networking. Learn about implementation science activities across Emory, SIRC, and collaborating centers while connecting with an interdisciplinary group of faculty, staff, and doctoral students. View Flyer.
Register

K-Club: Taking Advantage of Partnerships Outside Academia - October 13

Join us for a K-Club on Monday, October 13 from 12:00-1:00 PM via Zoom which features a panel discussion with Drs. Vivien Sheehan, Catherine Murari-Kanti, Steven Goudy, and Trent Spencer, facilitated by Dr. Beth Stenger. Attendees can look forward to gaining valuable insight from our distinguished panel on the topic of taking advantage of partnerships outside of academia. View Flyer.

Register

Speed Networking: Inflammation - November 6

Join faculty across the Georgia CTSA on Thursday, November 6, from 11:30 AM-1:00 PM via Zoom for a fast-paced virtual networking session focused on inflammation. Emceed by Dr. Bob Taylor, MD, researchers will present their work in 4 minutes or less, followed by collaborative discussion. Open to clinicians and researchers interested in new partnerships. View Flyer.

Register

Pilot Grant Writing Workshop - November 10

Join Georgia CTSA via Zoom for a workshop on preparing compelling pilot grant proposals on November 10, from 8:30-10:30 AM. Learn tips to strengthen your applications from expert panelists across Emory, Georgia Tech, and UGA, with keynote speaker Dr. Camille Vaughan, MD. View Flyer.

Register

Blue Sky Group: Nutrition - November 17

Join researchers and clinicians for a Blue Sky Group on Nutrition from 10:30 AM-12:00 PM via Zoom. Led by Dr. Jessica Alvarez, a leading researcher on the role of nutrition and body composition on metabolism in chronic diseases, this interactive discussion will cover burning issues, funding opportunities, and cross-institutional collaborative research opportunities. Share your experience, network, and find collaborators! View Flyer.

Register

Southeast Regional Clinical and Translational Science Conference - March-11-13, Abstracts Due November 10

Researchers working across the region are invited to submit an abstract by November 10 for the 2026 Southeast Regional Clinical and Translational Science Conference, March 11-13, at Callaway Resort and Gardens. This event brings together cross-disciplinary researchers and clinicians from across the region to present cutting-edge health-related research with national impact. Meet new collaborators and network with leaders in the field! View flyer.

View Abstract Submission Form

For more information on Georgia Clinical & Translational Science Alliance (Georgia CTSA), please visit the Georgia CTSA website. Do you have news, seminars, or events of interest to clinical and translational researchers? Send them to GeorgiaCTSA@emory.edu by noon on Thursday. To suggest subscribers or unsubscribe to the listserv please email GeorgiaCTSA@emory.edu.

Please include the following citation in any publications resulting from direct or indirect Georgia CTSA support, "Supported by the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number UL1TR002378. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health." KL2 Scholars should also list KL2TR002381 and TL1 Trainees should also list TL1TR002382.

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