Happy Holidays!
eroundup
Georgia CTSA
Weekly eRoundup
December 19, 2025

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Happy Holidays!

Wishing you a safe and Happy Holiday season from the Georgia Clinical & Translational Science Alliance (Georgia CTSA)! Look for the next eRoundup newsletter on Friday, January 9.

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Team Science Skill Series

The Spring Team Science Skill Series offers monthly interactive workshops. The first workshop, “Crash Course,” is January 23 from 12-2 PM via Zoom. This workshop aims to develop the skills necessary to build and maintain your research team by leveraging existing teams research. Register now for this 120-minute workshop that will cover the basics of team science and follow up by deeper dives in future workshops. View Flyer.

Register

Georgia CTSA Investigator Appointed as Founding Dean of UGA School of Nursing

Congratulations to Carolyn K. Clevenger, DNP, appointed the founding Dean of the UGA School of Nursing. Dr. Clevenger is currently a professor at Emory’s School of Nursing and founder and director of Integrated Memory Care at Emory Healthcare. Clevenger’s research focuses on improving care for people with dementia and programs for caretakers. She will begin in the new role in January 2026. UGA plans to enroll its first nursing class in fall 2027.

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Season's Greetings from Georgia CTSA Clinical Research Centers

Season’s Greetings from the Georgia CTSA Clinical Research Centers (GCRCs)! The GCRCs offer dedicated space, experienced staff, and resources to support research. 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.

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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 Center for Health in Aging RFP - Due January 5

https://aging.emory.edu/_includes/documents/2026-cha-announcement-and-budget-final.pdf

The Emory Center for Health in Aging aims to promote the physical, psychological, social, and spiritual health of older adults and address the challenges that threaten their health and well-being. Seeking applications for Pilot Proposals that fit this mission and can be completed in one year. Submissions are due to Glen Thomas by Monday, January 5, at 5 PM.

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Georgia CTSA Pilot Grants RFP - LOI Due January 15

The Georgia CTSA is accepting Letters of Intent for its 2026 Pilot Grants Program, supporting new translational and clinical research projects across partner institutions. Full-time faculty from Emory, Georgia Tech, MSM, and UGA are eligible to apply. LOIs are due January 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM, with invited full proposals due March 2, 2026. Full details and application requirements are outlined in the RFP.

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Emory University Research Committee (URC) RFP - Due January 17

Emory URC supports early career faculty, advanced faculty who wish to engage novel questions that enhance their expertise, and teams who seek to transcend the boundaries of their respective disciplines and undertake transformative research. Eligible faculty can apply for one year of funding during the 2026-2027 cycle. Typically, 30-38 awards are made across all 6 URC categories. Learn more.

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ENPRC Pilot Research Proposals - Due February 23

The Emory National Primate Research Center is accepting proposals for its 2026 Pilot Research Program, offering up to $70,000 in direct costs for one- or two-year projects. Eligible investigators must propose pilot-scale work involving nonhuman primate research or related approaches, including NAMs. Proposals are due February 23, 2026, by 5 PM EST. Awards begin as early as May 1, 2026.

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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. 

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Education and Training

Virtual CPTS Course Available to Non-Degree Students: Biostatistics for Translational Research - Apply by January 5

Emory faculty and postdocs are invited to enroll in CPTS 502 – Biostatistics for Translational Research, a 2-credit virtual spring semester course which is part of the curriculum in the Certificate Program in Translational Science (CPTS) in the Laney Graduate School.  This semester-long course introduces statistical concepts and analytical methods with special attention to data encountered in the biomedical sciences and biotechnology as well as translational research. The course will meet via Zoom on Tuesdays from 1:00-2:50 PM from January 13 – May 27. Tuition support is not available; however, faculty and postdocs at Emory may be eligible for the Emory Courtesy Scholarship if employed for at least one year. Tuition can also be covered by departmental funds, if available. For more information and instructions on how to apply to the Laney Graduate School as a non-degree student, contact Rachel Hardison.

Email Rachel

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. 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.

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Free Online Courses for Clinical Research Professionals & Translational Workforce

Georgia CTSA is pleased to announce two new free self-paced online courses from Morehouse School of Medicine are now available in the Translational Workforce Development CatalogUnderstanding Factors that Influence Health and Access to Care, and Health Policy and Health Systems Transformation. Participants earn a certificate with contact hours/CE from an accredited provider upon completion. Select from 7 programs and 37 live courses and enroll.
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Research Resources

Disability as Difference: Reducing Researcher Roadblocks

The Disability as Difference: Reducing Researcher Roadblocks (D2/R3) study sponsored by the Institute for Clinical and Translational Research at Einstein and Montefiore is moving towards its final phase - Evaluate online learning about Disabilities and Research. You may be eligible to participate if: you are a research team member - PI, Co-I, coordinator, research associate, etc.; your current research is focused on adults and not specifically focused on disabilities. Participation involves an online session (~60 min.) including review of learning modules and pre and post survey completion .You can receive up to $75 for your time, payable as a gift card OR charitable donation. Contact Principal Investigator: Karen Bonuck, PhD, Einstein Med.

Email Dr. Bonuck

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

Capstone Design Project Submissions - Apply by December 19

Georgia Tech’s BME Capstone Design program is accepting Spring 2026 project submissions from healthcare professionals, industry members, and academic researchers. The program connects innovators with student teams to develop actionable solutions that advance patient care. Early submissions are encouraged to allow for project scoping and coordination. Submit Project.

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Biolocity Funding 2026-2027 - Extended January 5

The 2026-2027 Biolocity funding cycle is open for early-stage biomedical innovations from Georgia Tech and Emory with the potential to impact human health. Biolocity provides non-dilutive funding, project management support, and expert commercial guidance to help advance promising technologies toward market readiness. Georgia Tech-led proposals are limited to teams with a PI in the Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, while Emory-led proposals remain open to all departments.

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Bench2Market Talk: Creating Investor Currency - January 21

Join Biolocity’s Bench2Market Talk on January 21 from 12:00-1:00 PM, where attendees will learn how to build a strong go-to-market strategy that supports fundraising and long-term growth. Hear from Megan Eckerman, Founder of iniMEG Consulting, as she shares practical lessons from MedTech startups on integrating commercial planning early and strengthening investor confidence. Register now to receive the Zoom link and event details.

Register

Bench2Market Talk: Market Research Fundamentals - February 18

Join us from 12:00-1:00 PM to learn the fundamentals of market research and how to apply key techniques throughout the medical product lifecycle. Hear from Bijel Dholakia, Managing Director of Afya Insights, on using market research to identify unmet needs, estimate market size, and gather business intelligence to support a clear path to market. Register now to receive the Zoom link and event details.

Register

Events

Team Science Skill Series Crash Course - January 23

Register for Team Science Skill Series “Crash Course” led by Christopher W. Wiese, PhD, on January 23 from 12-2 PM via Zoom. This session introduces key teamwork concepts and strategies for building and maintaining effective research teams. Additional workshops on trust, communication, team contracts, and leadership will follow throughout the spring. View flyer to also learn more about eligibility for personalized team consult opportunities.

Register

Southeast Regional Clinical and Translational Science Conference - March-11-13

Register Now! Join us 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. Keynote Speaker: Joni L. Rutter, Director, NCATS, NIH. Meet new collaborators and network with other leaders in the field! Book your stay by January 30! View flyer with agenda, lodging, and more.

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12th Annual Health Services Research Day - April 21

Join us from 7:30 AM – 2:30 PM at the Rollins Auditorium at Emory for this symposium and networking opportunity where researchers across Georgia will learn about ongoing quality, effectiveness, and value-based research activities. Health services research examines access to health care, how it is organized and delivered, costs, and outcomes. Keynote Speaker: Scott Halpern, MD, PhD, Professor, Medicine, Epidemiology, and Medical Ethics & Health Policy, Penn. Interested in presenting? Call for Abstracts opens January 2026. Stay tuned for more details!

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8th Annual Pediatric Early Career Researcher Conference - May 15 (Abstracts Due January 9)

Join us on May 15 to highlight exciting basic, translational, clinical, and outcomes research led by early-career child-health investigators. Abstract submission is open to undergraduates, graduate students, medical students, residents, medical fellows, postdoctoral research fellows, and junior faculty conducting child health research. Encore abstracts (those previously prepared or presented) are welcome. Abstracts are due by 5:00 PM, January 9.

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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.

Emory University
Georgia Institute of Technology
Morehouse School of Medicine
University of Georgia