In this edition:

Feature

Special News

Graduate Student Poster Competition: Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Research Design

Georgia CTSA’s Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Research Design program is sponsoring a graduate student poster competition. Travel expenses will be covered for the awardees to present at the 2024 Southeast Regional Clinical and Translational Science Conference . Applicant must be a full-time graduate student at Emory, MSM, UGA, or Georgia Tech. Abstracts are limited to one page, 11 point font. Apply by Friday, January 5.

Funding (* New Opportunities)

Basket Clinical Trials of Drugs Targeting Shared Molecular Etiologies in Multiple Rare Diseases (U44 Clinical Trial Required) – Due Dates Vary

NCATS seeks to facilitate rare diseases research by enabling efficient and effective movement toward clinical trials in multiple rare diseases. The purpose of this NOFO is to provide support for basket clinical trials of drugs targeting shared molecular etiologies in more than one rare disease, and in the process to identify and overcome challenges in adapting the oncology basket trial model to rare diseases Applicants are expected to collaborate with clinical investigators at academic institutions.

Georgia Center for Oncology Research and Education (Georgia CORE) Collaborative Cancer Research Seed Grant - LOI Due December 20

The “Collaborative Institutions Seed Grant Program for Cancer Research” through Georgia CORE is a research funding mechanism that provides seed funding for a cancer research project that involves two or more institutions or organizations in the state of Georgia comprised of a lead and a collaborative research entity. For the FY25 grant cycle, all grants related to impacting cancer morbidity or mortality rates in Georgia will be accepted. A focus on disparities work is encouraged; however, not required.

NOSI: Next-Generation Approaches to Renal Replacement Therapy Including Vascular Access – Due January 5

This notice of special interest (NOSI) aims to support the development of innovative approaches to renal replacement therapy and address critical accompanying challenges such as vascular access and fluid management during dialysis. It is anticipated that the funded applications will propose to develop and test in appropriate models and/or research participants novel technologies related to renal replacement therapy.

NOSI: Quantum Sensing in Biomedical Applications (SBIR/STRR) – Due January 5

NEI and participating NIH Institutes and Centers are issuing NOSI to solicit applications proposing to advance research activities relevant to quantum sensing in biomedical and clinical research and application. The purpose of this NOSI is to support small businesses for stimulation of technological innovation in quantum sensing.

Georgia CTSA Pilot Grants – LOI Due January 12

Georgia CTSA's Pilot Grants program is soliciting proposals that either generate preliminary data and refine research strategies for subsequent extramural grant applications or develop the best approaches and methodologies to address complex translational and clinical research problems. Health Equity is currently the central theme of the Georgia CTSA. Grants focused on Health Equity are strongly encouraged.

Miniaturization and Automation of Tissue Chip Systems (MATChS) – LOI Due January 22

Microphysiological Systems (MPS) are bioengineered microfluidic devices seeded with human cells and tissues that recapitulate organ systems and function. This NOFO has the central goal of improving the instrumentation platform that supports tissue chips using general principles of automation and miniaturization like the experiences from the Tissue Chips in Space program that will result in ease of use and broader accessibility of tissue chips for use on Earth and provides support using the STTR and SBIR cooperative agreement mechanisms for the development of MATChS.

Administrative Supplements to Recognize Excellence in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Mentorship – February 17

The participating Institutes and Centers (ICs) are inviting applications to support administrative supplements to existing NIH awards to support scientists who have demonstrated compelling commitments and contributions to mentorship and enhancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) in the biomedical sciences. Funds will support ongoing and future efforts.

Education and Training

Influential Mentoring Series Spring 2024

The Research Education Core of the Georgia CTSA is offering the Influential Mentoring Series Spring 2024 over Zoom through hour-long, interactive sessions. The six-session series will cover important topics to build mentoring knowledge and skills with a focus on improving and supporting equitable mentorship for diverse trainees. This training series is only for faculty and all sessions will meet on Tuesdays from 12:00-1:00 pm.

Translational Science Interagency Fellowship (TSIF) 2024 - Due January 15

The Translational Science Interagency Fellowship (TSIF) is a postdoctoral fellowship opportunity developed by the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Fellows will be jointly mentored by NCATS and FDA scientists on a research project of mutual interest to both organizations. Fellows in this program will develop skills of value to future careers in academia, the pharmaceutical industry, and government.

Emory Laney Graduate School Course: Biostatistics for Translational Research – January 17 to April 29

Emory faculty and postdocs are invited to enroll in CPTS 502 – Biostatistics for Translational Research, a 2-credit spring semester course that is part of the curriculum in the Certificate Program in Translational Science (CPTS) in the Laney Graduate School. Tuition awards are not available, but faculty and postdocs at Emory may be eligible for the Emory Courtesy Scholarship if employed for at least one year. This is a semester-long course, a 2-credit course that meets on Tuesdays from 1:00 – 2:50 p.m. in Zoom from January 17 until April 29, 2024. For more information and instructions on how to enroll in the Laney Graduate School in order to be registered for the course, contact Rachel Hardison.

Phlebotomy 101 Training – January 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.

Georgia CTSA KL2 Clinical and Translational Research Career Development Program – Apply by February 1

The goal of the KL2 Program is to support and enhance career development for junior faculty (MD, PhD, MD/PhD, PharmD) committed to a career in clinical and translational research (CTR) and clinical and translational science (CTS). Georgia CTSA is committed to assisting junior faculty at partner institutions to become independent, established, and ethical CTR and CTS investigators. View recordings of two-part KL2 Application Workshop held on October 19 and 26: Part 1 , Part II .

Georgia CTSA TL1 (T32-like) Training Grant Clinical and Translational Research Training - Predoc Due February 15, Postdoc Due March 15

The TL1 program is focused on providing innovative didactic and mentored clinical and translational research (CTR) training to individuals interested in careers that encompass CTR and clinical and translational science (CTS). The TL1 program supports predoctoral and postdoctoral trainees (medical, PharmD and PhD students; resident and fellow physicians; PhD postdocs; and PharmD residents). View recording of TL1 Application Workshop held on November 2.

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: Quality by Design in Clinical Trials Program

Research Resources

Multi-Site Clinical Trials

This is an open request for collaboration on the research study Comparing DEcolonization approaches For the reduction of surgical site INfEctions – the DEFINE Study, which compares the effectiveness of two intranasal decolonization methods and two approaches to body bathing to help reduce the incidence of surgical site infections. *Open to Emory researchers/PCORnet affiliates. For more information, email Mugisha Niyibizi.

Biorepository for Investigators

Georgia CTSA Clinical Research Center at Emory has established a Biorepository that includes an array of infectious disease samples. Our goal is to provide de-identified samples to investigators validating or developing diagnostics and therapeutics in an effort to improve the understanding of the effects, response, and mechanism of a variety of infectious disease samples including SARS-COV-2 and its variants. View current Biorepository Dashboard .

TEAMS Mentoring Program - Call for Content Experts

Call for Mentors: Georgia CTSA TEAMS Program

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

Informed Consent: First Poke, Then Hope (PDF)

Community

Community-Academic Researcher Pilot Program – Due January 19

Georgia CTSA’s Community Engagement program aims to support community-university research partnerships and build community capacity to conduct health research that is responsive to the community’s health needs. This pilot grant program provides funding and technical assistance to community-based organizations (CBOs) and academic researchers/faculty to conduct community-engaged research. A maximum of two grants of up to $30,000 will be awarded. Watch informational application teleconference recording.

Events

Grant Writing Workshop – January 11

Join Georgia CTSA on January 11 from 1:00 – 3:00 PM via Zoom for a Grant Writing Workshop: Mock Study Section. Do you wonder what happens during scientific review? Learn about the grant review process and get an inside look on how grants are reviewed at the NIH. This workshop is part of a series hosted by the Georgia CTSA and Emory School of Medicine. Learn More .

Georgia CTSA Maternal Health Webinar – January 22

Join us via Zoom on Monday, January 22, from 12:00 - 1:00 PM. Georgia CTSA’s Integrating Special Populations program is hosting a webinar to facilitate collaboration between people with an interest in maternal healthcare and maternal health disparities. Toby D. Goldsmith, MD, Women's Mental Health Program Director, Emory, will be leading a session, The Role of Perinatal Psychiatry Access Programs in Advancing Mental Health Equity. View flyer .

SE Regional Conference – February 28–March 1

The Southeast Regional Clinical and Translational Science Conference, February 28–March 1 at Callaway Resort and Gardens, brings together cross-disciplinary researchers from across the southeast to present cutting-edge health-related preclinical, clinical, implementation, and population-based research with national impact. Important Note: Book your stay by January 28th! Rates will only be guaranteed through January 28th. View flyer .

Call for Abstracts: 2024 Atlantis Symposium – March 14

The ATLANTIS Symposium serves as a central platform for researchers, providing a dedicated opportunity to share ideas, showcase innovative techniques, and contribute to the advancement of kidney, urology, and hematology (KUH) research. With a focus on networking, collaboration, and career development, the symposium will feature a keynote speaker and a variety of trainee presentations, all focused on KUH research. We invite abstracts from all early career KUH researchers including undergraduates, medical students, PhD students, postdoctoral fellows (PhD and MD), and junior faculty due on January 31.

10th Annual Health Services Research Day – May 7

Join Georgia CTSA colleagues at Emory University 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.