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CCTS Digest 5.01 .15 | www.uab.edu/ccts
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In This Issue

Partner Network:
While we invite you to take part in all of our programs, items featuring this icon may be of particular interest. Look for the symbol throughout the Digest. Have news you'd like to share? Send it to: ccts@uab.edu
May Day: Inaugural Monthly Mentoring Lunch
C. Ann Gakumo, Asst. Prof., SON, PhD, RN, receives a certificate of completion from Dr. David Chaplin, director, CCTS Training Academy for her participation in six hours of training in the Entering Mentoring program

kicked off its first monthly mentoring lunch meeting at the PCAMS building today, led by Dr. David Chaplin, Melissa McBrayer, and Ryan Outman of the CCTS Training Academy.  

A dozen individuals, representing departments from across campus-Collat School of Business, College of Arts and Sciences, School of Public Health, School of Medicine-gathered to discuss current mentoring challenges. The impromptu discussion started with the age-old question: Who should be first author on a collaborative paper?

This group will meet monthly on the first Friday of each month at PCAMS. In addition, two Entering Mentoring group sessions are scheduled to meet this summer, June 2 and July 15. You are invited to join and contribute to the conversation.

K Writing Group: A new K writing group will convene for five sessions beginning April 17th at  2pm. The April 17 session provides an overview of a K section and follows with discussions of writing strategy, challenges, and progress. Group size is limited; you must be eligible to apply for a K award to engage. Commitment to all five sessions is strongly encouraged. Sessions will be presented via videoconference for our partners. Please submit your name to the CCTS (ccts@uab.edu) to learn more.


Visit us online to learn more: www.uab.edu/ccts/training-academy/mentoring
CCTS May 6 Forum: Collaborative Innovation Awards


J oin us for our Wednesday, May 6, Forum
& Learn About a Unique Funding Opportunity

The  National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, or NCATS, recently issued a funding opportunity announcement for a unique and exciting program.

These Collaborative Innovation Awards  (PAR-15-172 and PAR-15-173) provide funds of up to $1 million per year for up to 5 years, for pilot and demonstration projects for innovative ideas for translational research. The program supports innovative collaborative investigations among three or more CTSA hubs to improve research methods at any step in the translational process (T1-T4). Through these awards, NCATS will foster research collaboration by encouraging teams from multiple hubs to work together to develop, demonstrate and disseminate multisite experimental approaches that overcome translational science roadblocks.

 

The topics for possible application are broad, and may include the following characteristics: 

  • Community engagement methods and technologies 
  • Improving the consent process
  • Educating and training the translational research workforce
  • Developing mechanisms for CTSA-catalyzed networks to identify and fast-track particularly promising translational research projects
  • Adapting technology and methodology successful in other domains to address challenges in clinical and translational research
  • Fostering innovative multi-disciplinary collaborations that bring together new types of teams 
  • Innovative clinical research studies or trials that use mobile technology and web- or phone- based communication
  • Innovative clinical research designs, such as adaptive designs, serial "n of 1" design, or other approaches to small populations
  • Innovative approaches to the implementation of precision medicine
  • Innovative methodologies that address translational research roadblocks specific to pediatric, geriatric, or other populations throughout the lifespan 
On  Wednesday, May 6,  the CCTS will host our monthly  Forum  event to facilitate a brainstorming session and discussion about potential projects in response to this FOA. Fueled by hors d'oeuvres and beverages, CCTS Director Dr. Robert Kimberly, joined by our Executive Committee, investigators, and staff will engage all comers in a discussion about ideas for submissions for the May 24, 2015 Letter of Intent deadline (June 24, 2015 full application due).

Join us at PCAMS (1924 7th Avenue South) from 4:30-6pm on Wednesday, May 6, 2015. Join remotely via GoToMeeting:

https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/974116189

 You can also dial in using your phone: (224) 501-3412

Access Code: 974-116-189 


 

Seminars
Seminars, Symposia and Conferences


 

CCTS/CTO Research Seminar Series

Critical research implementation and management topics will be presented on the first and third Thursday at noon in PCAMS (1924 7th Avenue South). These topics will be of interest and relevance specifically to clinical research personnel including investigators, regulatory personnel, study coordinators and financial administrators. The goal of this new program is to fill in the gaps in information related to the implementation of clinical trials that have been identified by investigators and their research teams. Presented by Penny Jester, co-director UAB Clinical Trials Office.

 

Topic:

This program will provide an overview of the reporting SAEs and how to appropriately use Notes to File.  Tools and checklists will be provided. The Journal club will provide a review of relevant literature.  Courses are not sequential and can be attended separately.

 

Attendees: Investigators, Research nurse coordinators, managers, research nurses, and administrators.

 

Thursday, May 7

Noon-1pm

 

"Multicenter Studies: What That means and How to Do It" 
Speakers: Penelope Jester, BSN, MPH, CCRC; Elizabeth Busby, RN, BSN, CCRP; Alice Howell, RN, BSN, CCRC

CME Credit Available


 

Thursday, May 14

12:30-1:30pm

Journal Club
 

Thursday, May 21
"Different Structures of Research Offices" 
Speakers: Penelope Jester, BSN, MPH, CCRC
 

CME Credit Available


 

 

Partners: Please join us remotely via GoToMeeting:

___________________________________________________________________________ 
Seminars, Lectures & Workshops

Tuesday, May 12

UAB HudsonAlpha Center for Genomic Medicine Symposium

 

10am-6:30pm

HudsonAlpha Auditorium, Huntsville, AL

 

Registration is free; click here: https://support.hudsonalpha.org/CGMsymposium

Space is limited and registrations will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis. 

A complimentary lunch, break refreshments and an evening reception with drinks and heavy appetizers will be provided. 

Transportation will be provided to and from Huntsville. 

 

 

Thursday, May 14

Professional Skills Development Series

"Proposal Submissions Using ASSIST"


Presented by:

Timothy M. Parker, Associate Director, Office of Sponsored Programs


11am-12:15 PM (CDT)
Pittman Center for Advanced Medical Studies, 1924 7th Avenue South
For registration, click here.

 


 

Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/840329197

You can also dial in using your phone. United States (Long distance): +1 (224) 501-3412

Access Code: 840-329-197

 

 

Thursday, June 4

UAB Multiple Sclerosis Symposium

"Multiple Sclerosis: Etiopathogenetic, Immunological and Clinical Concepts"

 

7am-7pm

Alumni House

Click here for more information and to register

Agenda:

Registration and Breakfast: 7-7:55am

Theme Sessions:

Innate and Adaptive Immune Systems in Autoimmune Disorders and Pathogenesis: 8am-noon

Genetic and Environmental Risk Factor for Multiple Sclerosis: 1:30-3:35pm

Therapeutics and Clinical Aspects: 3:55-5:55pm

Lunch and Poster Session: 12:05-1:25pm

Reception: 6-7pm

 

 

Sunday-Thursday, June 14-18

3rd Annual 3rd Annual Workshop on Metabolomics

The course is jointly sponsored by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) as part of the  NIH Common Fund Metabolomics Initiative, and the Departments of Chemistry and Pharmacology and Toxicology at UAB. 

Visit the website for full details on agenda, registration, and more.

 

 

5th Annual NIGMS-funded Short Course on Statistical Genetics & Genomics 

July 27-31, 2015 Birmingham, AL 

 

Focusing on the state-of-art methodology to analyze complex traits, this five-day course will offer an interactive program to enhance the ability of the researcher, to understand & use statistical genetic methods, as well as implement & interpret sophisticated genetic analyses. Limited number of Travel Fellowships available, see website for details. Only participants residing in the US are eligible for Travel Fellowships! The knowledge of R and UNIX is desired. 

 

Topics to include: 

Intro (Biostatistics; Genetics & Genomics; Ethics); GWAS Design/Analysis/Imputation/Interpretation; Rare Variants Analyses; CNV Analysis; Gene x Gene and Gene x Environment Interaction; Pharmacogenetics/Pharmacogenomics; Analysis of DNA Methylation Microarray Data; Statistical Epigenomics; Transcriptome Analyses; Statistical Methods for NGS; Beyond GWAS: Pathway Analysis & Meta-Analysis. 

Software demos: 

Intro to R & Bioconductor; PLINK; SKAT; CpGassoc; NGS analysis with Bioconductor. 

To insure the depth and practicality of the training program, we will provide 5 laptops to students or student pairs in the classroom. Each computer will be loaded with the required statistical software. Participants are encouraged to bring their laptop. Many of the faculty have substantial expertise with the use of software for statistical genetics and have even authored some. Use of Whole-genome Methods for Analysis of Complex Traits and Diseases. 

Speakers: 

Guests: Emidio Capriotti, PhD - UAB; Karen Conneely, PhD - Emory Univ.; Gustavo de los Campos, PhD - Michigan State University.; Nancy Cox, PhD - Univ. Of Chicago; Purvesh Khatri, PhD - Stanford Univ.; Carl Langefeld, PhD.-Wake Forest.; Hongzhe Lee, PhD - University of Pennsylvania.; Alison Motsinger-Reif, PhD - NC State Univ.; Marylyn Ritchie, PhD - Pennsylvania State Univ.; Hao Wu, PhD - Emory University; Michael Wu, PhD - Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center/ UNC-Chapel Hill. 

UAB: Xiangqin Cui, PhD; Hemant Tiwari, PhD.; Degui Zhi, PhD 


 

For more details & registration, click here.

Funded by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)

 

 

Please apply prior to Friday, May 1. Accepted applicants will be notified no later than Friday, May 8.

Women, members of underrepresented minority groups and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. We look forward to seeing you in Birmingham this summer!

 


 

Featured Funding (Interested? Attend our May 6 Forum):

 

Pre-application for Collaborative Innovation Award, Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) Program (X02; not required; NCATS)

PAR-15-173
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-15-173.html


 

 Collaborative Innovation Award, Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) Program) (U01; NCATS)
PAR-15-172
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-15-172.html
 

 

2016 Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise in Biomedical Science

The Vilcek Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness of immigrant contributions to American society. The Vilcek Foundation is seeking applicants for the 2016 Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise in Biomedical Science. We are accepting applications from young, foreign-born researchers age 38 and under from now through June 15, 2015. Three winners will each receive a $50,000 unrestricted cash prize and will be honored at an awards ceremony in New York City in April 2016.


 

Complete eligibility requirements and online application can be found on Vilcek.org.  

 

Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program Funding Opportunities

The CCTS wants to help position investigators to apply for Department of Defense (DoD) Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP) announcements. Check out a new page on the CCTS website highlighting these opportunities, which are rolling out now. It includes:


**************************************************************************************

Contact the CCTS Research Commons ( ccts@uab.edu; 4.7442) to learn more. Visit the site now for these and ongoing additions to the list!


Check out the CCTS Funding Opportunities page on our website


Sam Brown Bridge Builder Award

2015 Award Announcement

The Sam Brown Bridge Builder Award was established in 2009 to recognize the remarkable career of Dr. Sam Brown.The award honors his unique ability to develop and nurture working relationships between faculty and staff across the UAB campus in ways that embodied the vision, character, and bridge-building talents vital to the future of UAB. Previous award recipients were:

2010 - Dr. Sarah Morgan
2011 - Dr. Kent Keyser
2012 - Drs. Diane Tucker and Lou Bridges 
2013 - Drs. Jennifer Kilgo and Cynthia Ryan
2014 - Dr. Jack Lemons

Nominations are now being accepted for the 6th annual Sam Brown Bridge Builder Award to be announced in late June.  Nominees should have demonstrated a deep and abiding commitment to facilitating collaboration and partnership across campus in ways that enhance the research and/or teaching activities of the University.  All full time UAB faculty and staff are eligible for this Award. 

All nomination packets must be received by the COB Friday, May 29, 2015. Click here for full details.


 

Questions should be addressed to Max Michael (maxm@uab.edu or 5-7742).

The Sam Brown Bridge Builder Award recipient will be recognized at an awards luncheon.  The award recipient will receive a cash award plus a special commemorative plaque.

Biostatistics
BIOSTATISTICS

Mondays
Epidemiology/Biostatistics Clinic in The Edge of Chaos

  

This clinic provides the UAB community access to epidemiology and biostatistics resources.  Available most Mondays, 10am-2pm in The Edge of Chaos (Lister Hill Library, 4th floor).  Check the Edge of Chaos calendar   for confirmation of meeting dates and times. 
 

 

UAB CCTS Biostatistics Clinic                                                    

 

Weekly on Wednesdays, 11:30am-1pm

PCAMS Building 1924 7th Avenue South

 

The Biostatistics Clinic is open to all faculty members, post-docs, fellows, residents, and students. Attendees are invited to bring statistical and methodological questions about on-going research projects, projects being planned, manuscripts in progress, responses to peer reviewers, and published articles. They are also invited to bring their laptops. Assistance will be provided by members of the CCTS BERD group. A light lunch is served.  

 

BERD Design Consultation Available Today

In support of Pilot & Feasibility Projects, the CCTS is offering design consultation through its Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Research Division (BERD).  A team of methodologists, including experts in Epidemiology (Gerald McGwin, Russell Griffin), Biostatistics (Robert Oster, David Redden, Leslie McClure, Paul Lin), and Statistical Genetics (Hemant Tiwari, Xiangqin Cui) are available to collaborate in the design of  the pilot proposals as well as in their review.  If other methodological expertise is required in the project design, the BERD will recruit the required expertise from among the network of UAB methodologists.

 

Please contact the BERD and request design consultation by emailing ccts@uab.edu, calling (205) 934-4905 or connecting through Research Commons on the CCTS home page. 

 

The Mixed Traditions of May Day
May 1 is May Day, a traditional spring holiday in many northern cultures, celebrated with flowers and dancing around a May Pole. May 1 also represents International Workers Day, a celebration of  laborers  and the  working classes  that is promoted by the international  labor movement anarchists socialists , and  communists.


UAB Center for Clinical and Translational Science |   ccts@uab.edu | www.uab.edu/ccts
 Pittman Center for Advanced Medical Sciences
1924 Seventh Avenue South
Birmingham, AL 35294