CTSI Update: Reminder
Session 3: What CE Researchers at BU and BMC Need to Know About Subcontracting with Community Partners
Mar. 18, 2021, 12 - 1 p.m.

Presented by Stephanie Wasserman, CRA, MHA, Renna Lilly, & Shelly Stewardson


Representatives from BU and
BMC Sponsored Programs and Research Operations will help
CE Researchers understand administrative structures at the university and hospital levels involved in subcontracting with community partners. Read More
Session 3: Recruitment and Retention of Populations Underrepresented and Historically Excluded from Research
Mar. 25, 2021, 12 - 1 p.m

Presented by Caroline J. Kistin, MD, MSc, Jocelyn Antonio,
Sarah Bagley, MD, MSc, & Katherine Bright, MA

The goal of this series is to provide an understanding of the ethical background, regulatory knowledge, and models of best practices for conducting research when the participants represent special populations and vulnerable
subjects. Read More
New Funding Opportunities
Notice of Special Interest (NOSI): Administrative Supplements and Urgent Competitive Revisions for NIH Grants to Add or Expand Research Focused on Maternal Health, Structural Racism, and Discrimination, and COVID-19. Application Due Date: April 14, 2021
This NOSI seeks to understand the effects
of SARS-CoV-2 infection and the COVID-19 pandemic on maternal mental health, well-
being, functioning, and quality of life; identify psychosocial and behavioral health risk factors related to the COVID-19 pandemic that affect maternal mental health, and address the impact of structural racism and discrimination on maternal health outcomes in the context of COVID-19. More Details Here
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is accepting applications for fiscal year (FY) 2021 for the Behavioral Health Workforce Development Technical Assistance and Evaluation (BHWD TAE) Program.

The BHWD TAE program will improve the knowledge and training of the behavioral health workforce. The BHW TAE awardee will provide technical assistance to HRSA’s mental health and substance use workforce grantees. More Details Here
Training Opportunity
TOTAL App

The DL&I Incubator team has recently launched Training Opportunities To Augment Learning (TOTAL), a digital app that allows biomedical trainees to attend career and professional development events. This software application aims to defuse workforce challenges of the current and ever-changing job market by providing area trainees with a personalized system of alerts of opportunities available at Boston University and other universities and institutions. The increased access to a wealth of events, trainings, and networking opportunities will allow trainees to develop the necessary skills to secure their ideal careers. Read More

It is open to all institutions! Register Here

News Highlights
CRISPR-Based Anti-Viral Therapy Could One Day Foil the Flu—and COVID-19

A recent animal study shows that another CRISPR system could work as an inhaled anti-viral therapeutic that can be preprogrammed to seek out and foil potentially almost any flu strain and many other respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2. Read More
Going Universal: The Search for an
All-In-One Coronavirus Vaccine

  The emergence of new variants means that developers must rapidly revisit plans – which could impact the rollout of currently available doses and require further funding and resource to ensure countries do not get left behind.

Study Confirms Very Low Risk of Severe Allergic Reaction to COVID Vaccines

The new findings show that people who survive a COVID-19 infection continue to produce protective antibodies against key parts of the virus for at least three to four months after developing their first symptoms. Read More
Upcoming Events
Improving Representation of Women and Underrepresented Minorities in Clinical Trials and Research
Mar. 29, 2021, 10 a.m - 2:45 p.m.

A Workshop to Inform the Committee on Improving the Representation of Women and Underrepresented Minorities in Clinical Trials and Research. More Details Here
NIAID Research Priorities in the Time
of COVID
Mar. 31, 2021, 3:30 - 5 p.m.

An update on NIAID’s current and future research priorities in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Topics will include the FY21 budget for the NIH, COVID-related grant policies and flexibilities, the NIAID response to COVID, and future COVID initiatives. More Details Here
19th Annual NMQF Leadership Summit
on Health Disparities and Spring Health Braintrust
Apr. 26 - 28, 2021

The theme for the National Minority Quality Forum's 19th Annual Leadership Summit on Health Disparities and Spring Health Braintrust is Racism Makes Me Sick! More Details Here
Accelerating Discoveries Towards Better Health 
bu.edu/ctsi | ncats.nih.gov