National CTSA Consortium

Accelerating Discoveries Toward Better Health

Visit CTSACentral.org for information about the national CTSA program.

The National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences funds the CTSA program.

News

The CTSI news page showcases news items associated with CTSI personnel, awardees, trainees and scholars. Please click the the links below to view the original articles and video footage. Click here to access the CTSI News Archive to view articles previous to June 2011.

May 20, 2013

Featured Event: eRecord Monthly Education Series for Researchers

Attendees will learn how to navigate eRecord faster and more efficiently! New topics will be discussed every month. This month's topic is "Printing from eRecord: Learn to print from eRecord easily and more efficiently." Register online here. The eRecord Education Series is held the last Monday of every month.

Date: Monday, May 20th
Time: 12:00-1:00 pm
Location: K-307 Auditorium (3-6408)

CTSI Year-Out Student Featured on WXXI

Doran Mix, who took a year out from medical school with the CTSI’s predoctoral research training program, was featured on WXXI last week. Mix and his mentor, Dr. Ankur Chandra, explained their research on predicting the likelihood of aortic aneurysm rupture based on patient specific modeling of aortic wall strain. The project involved investigators and students from the Rochester Institute of Technology, as well as UR. Listen to the story on WXXI’s website , and read more about Doran Mix on the CTSI website.

New Empire Clinical Research Investigator Program

The New York State Department of Health announced substantial revisions to the Empire Clinical Research Investigator Program (ECRIP). New theme-based Center awards provide funding for research teams in a strategically important area of research. The research team must include research fellows (physicians, dentists or podiatrists). The institution may submit only one primary and one secondary award. The internal application deadline is May 31st. Full details

NIH SBIR/STTR Conference

Thinking about applying to the NIH Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) or Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) programs? Save the date for the 15th annual NIH SBIR/STTR Conference, which will be held October 28-30, 2013 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Read more here.

May 13, 2013

Featured Event: 5th Annual SCORE Half-Day Workshop

The 5th Annual SCORE Half-Day Seminar will take place on Wednesday, June 12, 2013 in the Helen Wood Hall Auditorium (1w-304). This seminar entitled, Health Research Management for the Study Coordinator: Fostering a Culture of Research, will be presented for those who actively coordinate health research and will address promoting and improving the clinical research experience. Attendees can earn 3.5 continuing nursing education contact hours. A light breakfast fare will be available. For further details and to register please click here by June 5th. There is no charge for this event (there will be a cost for parking for those attending who are not University of Rochester employees).

Registration is now open for the Annual Health Professions’ Faculty Development Colloquium

The Annual Health Professions’ Faculty Development Colloquium will be held on Wednesday, June 5, from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. . Featured plenary speakers will be Pat Croskerry, MD, PhD, Professor of Emergency Medicine, Dalhousie University, and Jack Coulehan, MD, MPH, Professor Emeritus of Preventive Medicine, Stony Brook University. The colloquium will include workshops on a variety of topics, nteractive sessions and poster presentations by colloquium participants. Click here for the full program information and to register. Please contact the Office for Faculty Development at 276-3782 or via email with any questions.

Dr. Robert Mays to Present at Genetics Seminar on May 15th

Dr. Robert (Willie) Mays will present "Clinical Development of an Adult Stem Cell Therapy for Treatment of CNS Injury and Disease" this Wednesday (May 15th) at noon in K-207. Dr. Mays is a leading scientist working in the field of stem cell-based tissue repair and one of the original founders of Athersys, Inc. and has played a leading role in their regenerative medicine efforts. Dr. Mays is currently working on a variety of research projects including studies on stroke (Phase 2 clinical trial), inflammatory bowel disease (Phase 2), and graft versus host disease (Phase I).

UR Named Center for AIDS Research by the National Institutes of Health

The University of Rochester was named a Center for AIDS Research (CFAR) by the National Institutes of Health, a designation that infuses $7.5 million into HIV/AIDS work across the University and places it amongst the best in the nation for research to improve the prevention, detection and treatment of the disease. Read More »

International Research Collaboration Opportunities

Faculty, staff, and research students are invited to attend a networking session with many of the University's key international partners on Friday, May 24, 2013 from 3:45 p.m.-5:00 p.m. in Schlegel Hall. Senior staff from 12 of the Worldwide Universities Network (WUN) will discuss opportunities for engagement, both through the WUN and at the bilateral level. For more information, and to RSVP, click here.

URMC Scientist Honored by American Society for Clinical Investigation

University of Rochester Medical Center researcher Laura M. Calvi, M.D., a rising biomedical scientist, was inducted into the American Society for Clinical Investigation, one of the nation's oldest and most respected medical honor societies. Dr. Calvi was also a 2007 recipient of a CTSI Pilot and Collaborative Studies Award for her project entitled "In vivo effects of PTH on osteoblasts and hematopoietic stem cells." Read More »

May 6, 2013

Featured Event: Learning the Consent Process: How to Swim, Not Sink

The next monthly meeting of the Study Coordinators Organization for Research and Education (SCORE) will feature Kelly Unsworth, CCRC, CIP, Regulatory Specialist, Office for Human Subject Protection presenting "Learning the Consent Process: How to Swim, Not Sink." The presentation will be held on Thursday, May 9th from 12:00-1:00 pm and then a networking session will follow from 1:00-1:30 in the Saunders Research Building (Room 1.416).

Academic Core Curriculum for Junior Faculty

The new Academic Core Curriculum is a week-long course which will be held September 30th through October 4th and is designed to help Senior Instructors and Assistant Professors with clinical responsibilities identify the skills they need for more successful career advancement. Course content includes: academic career planning, promotion and tenure, working with statisticians, database development and management, understanding the grant review process, manuscript peer review, and more. Deadline for registration is August 30, 2013. Click here to register.

Be in Balance Program: National Blood Pressure Awareness Month

Every month, the Be in Balance program acknowledges current nutrition topics by translating recent scientific literature into practical strategies to improve the health and nutrition of URMC employees. May is National Blood Pressure Awareness month. One of the easiest ways to help reduce blood pressure is through dietary modifications. Excess dietary sodium intake is linked with high blood pressure, yet 99% of people at risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) eat more than the recommended amount for at-risk populations. Two recent articles examine the benefits of reducing sodium intake and how to accomplish this reduction. Click here to read the rest of the article.

Society of Clinical Research Associates (SoCRA) Spring Program Scheduled for May 17th

The NYS Chapter of the Society of Clinical Research Associates will host their Spring Program on May 17th at the Welch Allyn Lodge in Skaneateles, NY. Featured presenters include Dr. Gary L Chadwick, PharmD, MPH, CIP, URMC Division of Medical Humanities and Bioethics, presenting "Informed Consent: Past, Present, and Future." Click here to view the full Program agenda. Please use the following contact information to RSVP by May 6th or send the attached form to:
Lauren Hoffman
The Lodge at Welch Allyn
4355 State Street Rd., Skaneateles Falls, NY 13153

Catalyzing Innovation: NIH National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences

The Government-University-Industry Research Roundtable is pleased to sponsor a webinar on May 9th at 1:00 pm entitled "Catalyzing Innovation: NIH National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences." The National Institutes of Health (NIH) National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) was officially established in December of 2011 as the NIH's newest Center. NCATS strives to strengthen the entire spectrum of translational research and sponsors the Clinical and Translational Science Award. This webinar presentation will provide an overview of NCATS many innovative programs and initiatives in the translational research space and how to access NCATS activities. Click here to register.

Ideas to Innovation Workshop: Stimulating Collaborations in the Application of Resilience Engineering to Healthcare

MedStar Health and the University-Industry Demonstration Partnership (UIDP) will host the Ideas to Innovation Workshop on June 13th and 14th in Washington, DC. During this two day gathering at the National Academies’ Keck Building in Washington DC, world experts in resilience engineering and resilient health care will present a set of principles and practices that practitioners can leverage in their efforts to improve safety. The workshop will share knowledge, spark innovative ideas, and inspire new collaborations and partnerships to apply resilience engineering in healthcare. Click here for the full agenda and registration information.

The 8th Conference on Global Health and Vaccination Research

The 8th Conference on Global Health and Vaccination Research will take place at Hotel Scandic in the middle of beautiful Bergen 16-17 October 2013. The conference will present International implementation and Global health health systems research. The key question at the conference is how we can improve health service delivery in low and middle-income countries? Conference registration and calls for poster abstracts are now open. Click here for more information

April 29, 2013

Featured Event: 25th Annual URMC Genetics Day

The Department of Biomedical Gentics is pleased to sponsor the 25th Annual Genetics Day on Monday, April 29th. The morning session will feature presentations by four URMC investigators followed by a poster session in the Flaum Atrium. The afternoon session will feature the 11th Annual Fred Sherman Lectures by Dr. Maria Karayiorgou (Chief of Medical Genetics, Columbia University) and Dr. Michael Wigler (Professor of Genetics, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory). Dr. Karayiorgou will present "De Novo Mutations Define Patterns of Genetic and Neural Complexity in Schizophrenia" and Dr. Wigler will present "Considering the Genetics of Cognitive Function Through the Prism of Autism". Click here for the full schedule.

Date: Monday, April 29th
Time: 9:30 am-4:00 pm
Location: Class of 62 Auditorium

eRecord Monthly Education Series

Come learn how to navigate eRecord faster and more efficiently! New topics will be discussed every month! The April topic is " What Do I Do with Those EMR Questionnaires?" Learn what Part 11 compliance is and how to handle sponsor questionnaires on the Electronic Medical Records. Register here. Meetings will occur the last Monday of the every month.

Date: Monday, April 29th
Time: 12:00-1:00 pm
Location: Helen Wood Hall Auditorium (1w-304)

Recruitment for Cancer Prevention Study

To better understand ways to prevent cancer, the American Cancer Society is recruiting men and women across the US and Puerto Rico for a landmark new research study – Cancer Prevention Study-3 (CPS-3). Enrollment is being made possible in partnership with the Rochester General Health System, University of Rochester Medical Center, and the YMCA of Greater Rochester during May 14-18, 2013. Individuals may choose to participate if they are willing to make a long-term commitment to the study (which involves completing follow-up surveys periodically over the next 20-30 years), are between the ages of 30 and 65 years old and have never been diagnosed with cancer. For more information click here, or call 1-888-604-5888 or e-mail cps3@cancer.org.

PCORI Funding Opportunity: $68 Million to Develop a National Patient-Centered Clinical Research Network

PCORI have issued two funding announcements for up to $68 million to improve the nation's capacity to efficiently conduct patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research (CER). The two linked cooperative agreement funding announcements will support development of a National Patient-Centered Clinical Research Network designed to unite millions of patients through a coordinated collaboration with researchers and healthcare delivery organizations. Complete funding announcements, application guidelines and other related material are available in the Funding Opportunities section of the website, www.pcori.org. Required letters of intent (LOIs) from applicants are due June 19 and complete applications are due September 27.

April 22,2013

Featured Event: CTSI Trainee Presentations (Part 2)

The next session of the CTSI Seminar Series will feature presentations from CTSI trainees:

David Paul presenting "Using DTI to measure changes in occipital lobe white matter after decompression of the optic chiasm"
Yaoli Pu presenting "P75 Neurotrophin Receptor Signaling and Trafficking"

Lunch will be provided. Please bring your own beverage.

Date: Tuesday, April 23rd
Time: 12:15-1:15 pm
Location: Helen Wood Hall Auditorium (1w-304)

ClinicalTrials.gov Wants Your Feedback on the Protocol Registration System

ClinicalTrials.gov is a registry and results database of publicly and privately supported clinical studies of human participants conducted around the world. ClinicalTrials.gov is seeking input from users to help them to improve the Protocol Registration System (PRS). Survey responses are invited through this link.

Just Released: DOD CDMRP Program Pre-Announcements

The Fiscal Year 2013 (FY13) Defense Appropriations Act provides research funding for the peer reviewed programs managed by the Department of Defense (DOD) office of Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP). The programs recently released pre-announcements from the following programs:

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Research Program (ALSRP)

Breast Cancer Research Program (BCRP)

Gulf War Illness Research Program (GWIRP)

Neurofibromatosis Research Program (NFRP)

Prostate Cancer Research Program (PCRP)

Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Research Program (TSCRP)

Descriptions of each of the funding opportunities, eligibility, key mechanism elements, and funding can be found in the respective Program pre-announcement at http://cdmrp.army.mil.

Center for Integrative Bioinformatics and Experimental Mathematics Announces 2013 Pilot Awardees

The URMC Center for Integrative Bioinformatics and Experimental Mathematics (CIBEM) recently issued a RFA for the bioinformatics collaboration pilot program to promote collaborations between CIBEM faculty members and experimental bioinformatics scientists. This pilot program is designed to support projects that require both innovative bioinformatics experimental technologies and novel bioinformatics/computational methods. Seven high-quality applications and two were selected to receive awards. The awarded projects propose to produce multi-type, high-throughput bioinformatics data using novel technologies and approaches, which directly relate to the needs of developing innovative solutions for “Big Data” in biomedical research. The awardees are:

Dr. Sina Ghaemmaghami, Assistant Professor from Department of Biology, received funding for a project entitled “Quantitative proteomic analysis of influenza-infected mice"
Dr. Stephen Dewhurst, Professor of Microbiology and Immunology, received funding for a project entitled “Interaction between aging and HIV-associated neurological disorder"

April 15, 2013

Featured Event: CTSI Trainee Presentations (Part 1)

The next session of the CTSI Seminar Series will feature presentations from CTSI trainees:

Ron Menorca presenting "Determining The Role of Erythropoietin in Accelerating Peripheral Nerve Recovery After Injury in a Murine Model of Crush and Compression Neuropathy"
Clifford Pierre presenting "Glymphatic Failure as a Pathogenic Mechanism of Syndrome of the Trephined"
Michael Purcha presenting "Healthcare Worker's Role in Tobacco Control in the Dominican Republic"

Lunch will be provided. Please bring your own beverage.

Date: Tuesday, April 16th
Time: 12:15-1:15 pm
Location: Helen Wood Hall Auditorium (1w-304)

eRecord Monthly Education Series

Date: Monday, April 29th
Time: 12:00-1:00 pm
Location: Helen Wood Hall Auditorium (1w-304)

REDCap Highlights Newsletter Now Available

The URMC Academic IT Department announces that the inaugural edition of the REDCap Highlights Newsletter is now available. This newsletter contains information on new features available to users, how-to's, user testomonials, and more. Click here to view REDCap Highlights.

25th Annual Genetics Day: Call for Posters

The 25th Annual Genetics Day will be held on April 29th. The conference organizers invite all URMC researchers to submit posters for the poster session which will be held between 1:00 – 3:00 PM. There will be cash prizes for graduate student and post doc posters. Please submit a POSTER REGISTRATION FORM by email to Jill Van Atta no later than 5 pm on April 19th. Click here for more information.

Save the Date for the Annual Faculty Development Colloquium

Save the Date for the annual Health Professions’ Faculty Development Colloquium! The featured plenary speakers are Pat Croskerry, MD, PhD, Professor of Emergency Medicine and Director of the Critical Thinking Program at Dalhousie University; and Jack Coulehan, MD, MPH, Professor Emeritus of Preventive Medicine at Stony Brook University. The colloquium will also include workshops on a variety of topics, interactive sessions, and posters by colloquium participants. Registration will open soon. Please contact the URSMD Office for Faculty Development at 276-3782 or by e-mail at faculty_development@urmc.rochester.edu for more information.

Date: Wednesday, June 5th
Time: 7:30 am- 4:00 pm
Location: School of Medicine and Dentistry

Location Change: Spring Mentoring Conference on Shared Experiences

The 2013 Spring Mentoring Conference will be held on April 18th and is entitled “Shared Experience: From a Panel of Award-Winning Mentors.” The panel leading the presentation will be composed of the recipients of 2012 URMC Mentoring Awards: B. Paige Lawrence, PhD, Yousef Khalifa, MD, and Jonathan Friedberg, MD, MMSc. Click here to RSVP for the event.
Date: Thursday, April 18th
Time: 5:00-6:00 pm. Reception to follow
Location: Saunders Research Building, 1.412

April 8, 2013

Featured Event: Women, Social Disconnection, and Depression Over the Life Course

The next session of the CTSI Seminar Series will feature Emily Hauenstein, PhD, LCP, MSN, RN, Associate Dean for Research at the School of Nursing and Director of the Center for Research & Evidence Based Practice, presenting " Women, social disconnection, and depression over the life course." Dr. Hauenstein's research program focuses on the causes and treatment of major depressive disorder among disadvantaged women. Lunch will be provided. Please bring your own beverage.

Date: Tuesday, April 9th
Time: 12:15-1:15 pm
Location: Helen Wood Hall Auditorium (1w-304)

New Degree Program: Master of Science in Health Services Research and Policy

The University Of Rochester Department Of Public Health Sciences is proud to announce a new degree program, Master of Science in Health Services Research and Policy, starting in September 2013. The Master of Science in Health Services Research and Policy is a 37 credit, three semester course of study designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to conduct high quality health services research and policy analysis. Students completing the program will be well prepared to take positions in a wide variety of private and public institutions engaged in health care management, health services research, or health policy work. For additional information about the new program, please email Dr. James Dolan, the program director, at james_dolan@urmc.rochester.edu.

RFP Due for Early Stage Drug Discovery Awards

The Drug Discovery Pilot Award Program, jointly funded by the University of Rochester Medical Center and the Moulder Center for Drug Discovery Research at Temple University, is now accepting proposal applications. The collaboration enables Rochester scientists to combine their knowledge of the underlying biology of disease with the ability of the medicinal chemists and pharmacologists at the Moulder Center to identify and create compounds suitable for medical research and eventual use in humans.The Pilot Award Program supports two categories of research: “early exploratory studies” and “lead finding studies'. The deadline for submissions is May 3rd. Should you have any questions regarding the details for submission, you may contact Michael Rusnak directly at 585-276-6610.

Next SCORE Meeting on April 11th

The next meeting of the Study Coordinators Organization for Research and Education (SCORE) will be held on April 11th at 12:00 pm in Helen Wood Hall (Room 1w-510). This session will feature Stephen A. Bean, PharmD., Pharmacist, presenting "Issues Concerning the Control of Investigational Study Drug Supplies at the Study Site" and Pat Bolger, R.Ph., MBA, Director of Clinical and Business Affairs
in the Clinical Materials Services Unit, presenting "Clinical Trial Drug Supply:Factors to Consider When Planning a Study." Click here for more information.

April 1st, 2013

Featured Event: Telemedicine-Enabled Primary Care-Based Diabetic Retinopathy Surveillance

The next session of the CTSI Seminar Series will feature Rajeev Ramchandran, MD, MBA, Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology, presenting "Telemedicine-Enabled Primary Care-Based Diabetic Retinopathy Surveillance."Lunch will be provided. Please bring your own beverage.

Date: Tuesday, April 2nd
Time: 12:15-1:15 pm
Location: Helen Wood Hall Auditorium (1w-304)

Spring Mentoring Conference: Shared Experiences

The 2013 Spring Mentoring Conference will be held on April 18th and is entitiled “Shared Experience: From a Panel of Award-Winning Mentors.” The panel leading the presentation will be composed of the recipients of
2012 URMC Mentoring Awards: B. Paige Lawrence, PhD, Yousef Khalifa, MD, and Jonathan Friedberg, MD, MMSc. Click here to RSVP for the event.

Date: Thursday, April 18th
Time: 5:00-6:00 pm. Reception to follow
Location: Helen Wood Hall (1w-501)

25th Annual Genetics Day: Call for Posters

eRecord Education Series for Researchers Video is Ready!

The videocast and session handouts from the first session of the eRecord Research Education Series are now available here. This session covered how to find information in eRecord. The next eRecord Research Education Seminar is scheduled for April 29th.

Environmental Health Sciences Center (EHSC) Pilot Project Funds Available

The Environmental Health Sciences Center (EHSC) has funds to support a limited number of meritorious Pilot Projects. The objective of the pilot project should be relevant to the theme of the EHSC, namely "Environmental Agents as Modulators of Human Disease and Dysfunction." Of special interest are proposals addressing how the environment modifies stem cell function, affects early life origins of adult diseases, and disrupts host/pathogen interactions. Applicants may request a maximum of $30,000 for the duration of one year. The deadline for submitting initial applications is April 15, 2013. Click here for more information.

March 25, 2013

Featured Event: How to Survive a Plague

The next session of the CTSI Seminar Series will feature a screening of How to Survive a Plague, the story of two coalitions—ACT UP and TAG (Treatment Action Group)—whose activism and innovation turned AIDS from a death sentence into a manageable condition. Despite having no scientific training, these self-made activists infiltrated the pharmaceutical industry and helped identify promising new drugs, moving them from experimental trials to patients in record time. This presentation is co-sponsored by the Office for Human Subject Protection. Lunch will be provided. Please bring your own beverage.

Date: Tuesday, March 26th
Time: 12:15-2:15 pm *Please note extended time*
Location: Helen Wood Hall Auditorium (1w-304)

The CTSI Wants Your Feedback!

The CTSI wants to ensure that your department is informed about Funding Opportunities, Education & Training, Consultation Options and Resources that are available. The following brief survey asks for information to ensure that the CTSI is using the best strategies to engage your department and address researcher needs. Click here to access the survey. Questions? Contact The Research Help Desk.

Biostatistics Spring Colloquium: Flexible Modeling of Medical Cost Data

The 2013 Spring Biostatistics Colloquium will feature Lei Liu, PhD, Associate Professor of Preventive Medicine at Northwestern University presenting "Flexible Modeling of Medical Cost Data". Dr. Liu has broad research interests in survival analysis, longitudinal data analysis, spline regression methods, with applications to clinical and health services studies. Dr. Liu is particulary interested in the analysis of medical cost data and joint models of longitudinal and survival data.

Date: Thursday, March 28th
Time: 3:30-4:30 pm
Location: Helen Wood Hall Auditorium (1w-304)

Wilmot Cancer Center Releases RFP for Pilot Funding

The James P. Wilmot Cancer Center is soliciting applications for grants focusing on Cancer Research. This RFP is designated to support three separate individual or collaborative research projects in the area of basic, translational, behavioral or epidemiological cancer research. The implicit goal of these awards is to support the development of new research projects to reach competitiveness for federal funding. Collaborations are strongly encouraged. Up to $50,000 of funding may be requested for one year. Click here to view the RFP,

March 18, 2013

Featured Event: Person-Centered End-of-Life Care and Bereavement Outcomes

The next session of the CTSI Seminar Series will feature Paul Duberstein, PhD, Professor of Psychiatry presenting "Person-Centered End-of-Life Care and Bereavement Outcomes: The VOICE –Caregiver Study (2013-2017)". Dr. Duberstein's research focuses on geriatric psychiatry, specifically related to Neuroticism, Depression,and cognitive function. Lunch will be provided. Please bring your own beverage.

Date: Tuesday, March 19th
Time: 12:15-1:15 pm
Location: Helen Wood Hall Auditorium (1w-304)

CTSI PhD Candidate, Abeer Abu-Zeitone, Wins Best Poster at the American College of Cardiology Scientific Session!

Congratulations to Abeer Abu-Zeitone, a Ph.D. candidate in the CTSI's Translational Biomedical Science program! In an analysis that that won “Best Poster” at ACC 2013 – an award given to posters that scored in the top three percent of those accepted – Abu-Zeitone found that different beta blockers are equally effective in reducing the risk of cardiac events in Long QT patients. Click here to read more.

Posting Open Research Studies to the URMC Health Research Website: Updated Directions Now Available

The URMC Health Research Website was developed as a recruitment tool aimed to link community members with applicable open studies. The updated instructions for how to post or update a study on our updated Health Research Website are available here. Please bookmark this site for your reference! Questions can be directed to RecruitmentHelp@urmc.rochester.edu

Posters Sought for University Technology Showcase

The Center for Emerging and Innovative Sciences is having its 13th annual University Technology Showcase on Tuesday, March 26, at the Doubletree Hotel in Henrietta from 1 to 5 p.m. The showcase is an opportunity for university researchers to present their work to industry as well as other researchers and organizations that promote economic development. The showcase will feature posters by investigators from the University of Rochester, Rochester Institute of Technology, and Cornell University. Information about poster submission and registration is available here.

Save the Date: 25th Annual Genetics Day on April 29th

Please mark your calendar for the April 29, 2013 25th Annual Genetics Day. This will be a full day symposium with posters, prizes, and more! Speakers will include Dr. Michael Wigler, Professor of Human Genetics at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory and Dr. Maria Karayiorgou, Professor of Psychiatric Genetics at Columbia University. More details will be provided soon.

ORPA Encourages URMC Faculty to Review PIVOT Profiles

Faculty are encouraged to go the new funding and collaboration search product named PIVOT at www.cos.com and verify that the information contained in their profile is correct and up to date. This will ensure the maximum benefit for partnership with other researchers both inside and outside the university looking for potential collaborators.

March 11, 2013

Featured Event: Patient-Centered Decision Making

The next session of the CTSI Seminar Series will feature James Dolan, MD, Associate Professor of Public Health Sciences presenting "Patient-Centered Decision Making". Dr. Dolan is a General Internist with more than 25 years of practice experience. He has a long-standing interest in improving the quality of clinical decision making at every level in the health care system. His research has primarily involved exploring the effects of multi-criteria decision making method., Lunch will be provided. Please bring your own beverage.

Date: Tuesday, March 12th
Time: 12:15-1:15 pm
Location: Helen Wood Hall Auditorium (1w-304)

New Researchers Invited to Join ALLHAT - Antihypertensive and Lipid-Lowering Treatment to Prevent Heart Attack Trial

ALLHAT was the largest antihypertensive treatment trial and the second largest lipid-lowering trial ever conducted, and a landmark cost-effectiveness study. Data from ALLHAT are now widely available to the scientific community, especially new and early-career researchers. Read more about this opportunity here or visit the ALLHAT website.

Childhood Poverty Lecture and Panel Discussion

Benard Dreyer, Professor of Pediatrics and Director of Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics at New York University School of Medicine, and Director of Pediatrics at Bellevue Hospital Center, will give the 2013 Gilbert Forbes Visiting Scholar Lecture. He will present “To Create a Better World for Children and Families: The Case for Ending Childhood Poverty.” A panel discussion on “Childhood Poverty Thinking Locally” will follow at 1:15 p.m.

Date: Wednesday, March 13th
Time: 12:00-2:00 pm
Location: Helen Wood Hall Auditorium (1w-304)

Let Your Voice Be Heard!

The eRecord project team, in collaboration with the CTSI, is recruiting volunteers interested in becoming eRecord Research Leaders. These individuals will serve as liaisons between the research community and the eRecord team, and will be directly involved in the development of research-related functionality, policies and processes in the eRecord system. Click here for more information.

eRecord Monthly Education Series Will Begin March 18th

Come to the eRecord Education Series and learn how to navigate eRecord faster and more efficiently. New topics will be discussed every month. The first session will be held on March 18th and is entitled "Viewing that Elusive Information" and will focus on how to find the specific information that you need in eRecord in a quick and efficient manner. Attendees are welcome to bring their lunch. Register here.

Date: Monday, March 18th
Time: 12:00-1:00 pm
Location: Saunders Research Building (1.416)

March 4, 2013

Featured Event: Creating and Testing Virtual Clinicians to Extend Care

The next session of the CTSI Seminar Series will feature Geoffrey Williams, MD, PhD, Professor of Medicine, will present "Creating and Testing Virtual Clinicians to Extend Care." . Dr. Williams' research focuses on motivation as it relates to how patients change and maintain healthy behaviors in the context of disease prevention and chronic disease. He is also interested in how health care practitioners learn to change and maintain their health related counseling behaviors. Lunch will be provided. Please bring your own beverage.

Date: Tuesday, March 5th
Time: 12:15-1:15 pm
Location: Helen Wood Hall Auditorium (1w-304)

Research Coordinator Development Initiative

CTSI invites members to the formation of a workgroup for input on research coordinator development. Discussion topics will include hiring practices, training and providing continued support for University research coordinators. Coordinators, administrators and researchers are welcome. If you are interested in contributing to this initiative, contact SCORE@urmc.rochester.edu by March 8th.

Clinical Genomics: An Integrated Approach for Genetic Testing

The Center for Neural Development and Disease is pleased to announce a presentation by Shashikant Kulkarni, PhD, entitled "Clinical Genomics: An Integrated Approach for Genomic Testing." Dr. Kulkarni uses genome-wide tools for comprehensive molecular characterization of genomic aberrations associated with cancer. Unveiling key genomic drivers, prognostic and diagnostic indicators in cancer will help bring earlier and better interventions to cancer patients.

Date: Wednesday, March 6th
Time: 11:00 am-12:00 pm
Location: Class of 62 Auditorium

David Grabowski, Authority on the Economics of Aging, to Present 13th Annual Saward-Berg Lecture

David C. Grabowski, Ph.D., a renowned health services researcher and expert in the fields of aging policy and long-term care, will present the 13th annual Saward-Berg Lecture. The Lecture – entitled “Care Coordination for Dually Eligible Beneficiaries” – is sponsored by the Department of Public Health Sciences. Read More »

Date: Friday, March 8th
Time: 10:30 am-12:00 pm
Location: Helen Wood Hall Auditorium (1w-304)

Technology Development Fund Request for Applications

The University of Rochester’s Technology Development Fund (TDF) will be accepting Pre-Proposal applications on April 1, 2013, for its sixth round of funding. The TDF promotes the transfer and translation of research into commercial applications through monetary awards to advance promising UR technologies towards commercial milestones. Awards can range from $40,000 to $100,000 to support projects of approximately one year in duration. Click here for more information.

February 25, 2013

Featured Event: Understanding Conflicts of Interest

The next session of the CTSI Seminar Series will feature Kelley O'Donoghue, Director of OHSP, Gunta Liders, Director of ORPA, and Mike Ritz, ORPA Research Compliance Officer presenting "Understanding Conflicts of Interest." The University’s conflict of interest policies are intended to assist faculty, staff and board members in identifying actual and potential conflicts of interest and to direct them to the appropriate administrative process for minimizing their impact. Attend this session to learn more about the URMC COI policy and have your questions answered directly by experts. This session is co-sponsored by the Office for Human Subject Protection. Lunch will be provided. Please bring your own beverage.

Date: Tuesday, February 26th
Time: 12:30-1:30 pm ***Please note time change***
Location: Helen Wood Hall Auditorium (1w-304)

CTSI Town Hall Meeting: Updates and Invitation to Join New Initiatives

Learn about new opportunities to shape CTSI programs and services and to identify research team needs. This 1-hour session will introduce two new initiatives that need your voice: eRecord Research Leaders and the Research Coordinator Role Development Workgroup. Please contact Nancy Needler- Research Subject Advocate, Office of Regulatory Support (ext. 51020 or Nancy_Needler@urmc.rochester.edu) with any questions.

Date: Thursday, February 28th
Time: 3:00-4:00 pm
Location: Helen Wood Hall Auditorium (1w-304)

Pivot Funding Opportunities Database

Faculty, staff and students at the University of Rochester now have access to a new funding opportunities and profile software product called Pivot. Pivot provides the ability to identify and connect with funding opportunities and with other researchers—locally and globally. It combines a comprehensive database of funding opportunities with a database of over 3 million scholar profiles. Visit the Pivot website now to perform searches, receive funding alerts, and connect with collaborators. Also, be sure to take advantage of the free live and recorded online tutorials, support resources, and more!

February 18, 2013

Featured Event: Creation and Validation of Disease-Specific Patient-Reported Outcome Measures

The next session of the CTSI Seminar Series will feature Chad Heatwole, MD, presenting " Bringing the Patient’s View into Sight: The Creation and Validation of Disease-Specific Patient-Reported Outcome Measures". Dr. Heatwole is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurology and his research has led to the development of an international network dedicated to improving the quality-of-life of neuromuscular patients through patient-centered clinical research. Lunch will be provided. Please bring your own beverage.

Date: Tuesday, February 19th
Time: 12:15-1:15 pm
Location: Helen Wood Hall Auditorium (1w-304)

AAMC Seminar: Building Your Research-Based Career

The second webinar in AAMC’s series on minority faculty career development will provide practical, concrete advice about building your research-based career by “Cultivating the 4Ms:” Me, Money, Mentors and Management. Registration is free. For more information and to register, click here.

Date: Friday, March 8th
Time: 2:00-3:30 pm

Save the Date: 3rd Annual URMC Stem Cell Symposium June 27th

Save the date now for the 3rd Annual URMC Stem Cell Symposium which will be held on June 27th. This full day symposium will feature a poster session with prizes. Speakers will include Dr. Sally Temple, co-Founder and Scientific Director of the Neural Stem Cell Institute located in Rensselaer, NY and Dr. Lorenz Studer, founding Director of the Sloan-Kettering Center for Stem Cell Biology.

February 11, 2013

Featured Event: Partnering in Chronic Disease Care Management for Older Adults

The next session of the CTSI Seminar Series will feature Yeates Conwell, MD, Professor of Psychiatry presenting " Aging Services as Partners in Chronic Disease Care Management for Older Adults at Risk for Hospitalization and Institutional Care." Dr. Conwell is a Geriatric Psychiatrist and was chosen as one of 73 “Innovation Advisors”—and the only psychiatrist—in the federal government’s Innovation Advisors Program. Lunch will be provided, please bring your own beverage.

Date: Tuesday, February 12th
Time: 12:15-1:15 pm
Location: Helen Wood Hall Auditorium (1w-304)

CTSI Announces 2013 KL2 Scholars

The KL2 Mentored Career Development program provides 2 years of support for new investigators interested in a career in clinical or translational research. The program is designed to support the career development of those who wish to pursue research careers in multidisciplinary clinical and translational science. Click here to view all current and past KL2 Scholars. The 2013 KL2 Scholars are:

Feng (Vankee) Lin, PhD, RN, Post-Doctoral Fellow in the School of Nursing
Project: “ Role of Vision-based Computerized Cognitive Training in Preventing Cognitive and Functional Decline in Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment”
Xiuxin Liu, DDS, PhD, Research Fellow and Resident in General Dentistry, Eastman Institute of Oral Health
Project: “ ATP signaling and dental orofacial pain ”

Emerging Genomics Technology Mini-Symposium Today

The University of Rochester’s Genomic Research Center (URGRC) will present a mini-symposium today on Emerging Genomics Technology. This symposium will focus on the the expansion of the genomics research landscape along with the impact on the scientific research community. In this half-day session, URGRC staff, UR faculty and outside investigators will share their experience and new research discoveries made possible by URGRC resources. Students, fellows and investigators should attend the meeting to understand how the URGRC genomics resources can enhance and innovate their research program. Please call Anne Reed, 585-273-1359 for more information.

Date: Monday, February 11th
Time: 12:45-4:00
Location: Class of 62 Auditorium

CDC Releases FOA for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Research Centers Special Interest Projects (SIPS)

The CDC will provide supplemental funding to Prevention Research Centers to design, test, and disseminate effective prevention research strategies in the Healthy People 2020 topic areas of: Cancer, Tobacco Use, Physical Activity, Older Adults, Social Determinants of Health, Disability and Health, and Dementias (Including

Alzheimer’s Disease). This funding opportunity announcement (FOA) solicits cooperative agreement applications from applicant organizations that propose to:
(1) focus on the major causes of death and disability, with an emphasis on underserved and vulnerable populations
(2) improve public health practice through community-based participatory research
(3) design, test, disseminate, or translate effective public health programs at the state and community level.
The full funding announcement can be found here. Contact Kathleen Jensen by Februaury 15th if you are interested in submitting an application. Letters of intent are due on February 26th.

February 4, 2013

Featured Event: Barriers to the Adoption and Implementation of a Patient-Centered Primary Care Telemedicine Model

The next session of the CTSI Seminar Series will feature Kenneth McConnochie, MD, MPH, Professor of Pediatrics presenting "Barriers to Scale-Up and Spread of a Patient-Centered Primary Care Telemedicine Model with Proven Effectiveness and Efficiency". Dr. McConnochie's major research interests include: Telemedicine in routine pediatric practice, home nursing to improve care of acute childhood illness and avoid hospitalization, development of a population health indicators, clinical decision making for lower respiratory tract illness in infants, and disparities. Lunch will be provided, please bring your own beverage.

Date: Tuesday, February 5th
Time: 12:15-1:15 pm
Location: Helen Wood Hall Auditorium (1w-304)

New CTSI Resources and Services Page Goes Live

The new CTSI Resources & Services Landing Page highlights what is available to University of Rochester researchers and their staff, in support of research-program development and project-specific planning and operation. The new page offers two options to users: an alphabetical list of Resources or Services, or listings based on a topic area. Topic areas include Skill Building, Study Design, Find Resources, Find Expertise, Secure Funding, and Policies. Take a moment and check out the new features today!

Post your Study on the Revamped Health Research Website

The revamped Health Research Website is close to completion and will be launched shortly. The next critical step is posting as many IRB approved studies as possible. Even if you do not think Internet recruitment is important for your study please consider posting information about it. If you have a study already listed on the old site there are new options! Hands on ‘help’ sessions are available (see dates below). These are open ‘drop in’ times, no sign up is needed. You can come at any time and stay for as long as you need.

Training Sessions: Posting Research Studies:
Monday, February 04, 2013 from 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM (SRB 3434A/3434B)
Thursday, February 07, 2013, 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM (SRB 4414A/4414B)
Friday, February 08, 2013 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM (SRB 1406)

Nominate Your Colleagues for Translational Science 2013 Awards

Now in its fourth year, the sponsoring and partnering organizations of Translational Science 2013 continue to acknowledge outstanding contributions from investigators and educators in the field. Award winners will be recognized during Translational Science 2013 and have the opportunity to make a brief presentation at a plenary session. All nomination online submissions must be received by Friday, February 8, 2013. Nominations are now being accepted for the following awards:

URMC Orthopaedics Research Student Wins National Video Contest

Youssef Farhat, a University of Rochester M.D. /Ph.D. student, won first place in a video contest sponsored by the Orthopaedic Research Society. Farhat’s three-minute film explains how lives are touched by the study of the musculoskeletal system. Watch the video here

January 28, 2013

Featured Event: Research Subjects Review Board (RSRB) Mock Board Meeting

The next session of the CTSI Seminar Series will feature a special presentation co-sponsored by the Office for Human Subject Protection. Members of the Research Subject Review Board (RSRB) will participate in a mock board meeting.The RSRB's goal is to protect the rights and welfare of human research subjects at the University of Rochester. To accomplish this, they review, approve the initiation of, and conduct periodic reviews of research involving human subjects. Lunch will be provided, please bring your own beverage.

Date: Tuesday, January 29th
Time: 12:15-1:15 pm
Location: Helen Wood Hall Auditorium (1w-304)

Check out the New PhD in Translational Biomedical Science Video

The University of Rochester offers an innovative Ph.D. program in Translational Biomedical Science. The goal of the program is to prepare individuals for academic and clinical careers relating to the translation of basic biomedical research into clinical strategies to improve health. A video is now available via the CTSI's YouTube channel which features the Program Director, PJ Simpson-Haidaris, providing an overview of the program and also accounts of current PhD students and their experience in the program. Click here to view the video.

Save the Date: Special Grand Rounds Session and Satcher Award Ceremony to be Held March 18th

A special Grand Rounds Session will be held on March 18th and will feature Denise Rodgers, MD, FAAFP, presenting "Addressing Health Disparities Through Academic-Community Partnerships". Dr. Rodgers is the Interim President of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and her research is focused on addressing health disparities among minority and undeserved populations and communities. The Dr. David Satcher Community Health Improvement Awards and reception will follow the presentation.

Date: Monday, March 18th
Time: 5:00-7:30 pm
Location: Class of 62 Auditorium

January 21, 2013

Featured Event: Teamwork: Implications for Quality Care and Cost

The next session of the CTSI Seminar Series will feature Helena Temkin-Greener, PhD, MS, presenting "Teamwork: Implications for Quality of Care and Cost". Dr. Temkin-Greener is an Associate Professor in the Department of Public Health Sciences and her research centers on outcomes research with a focus on the elderly and long-term care. Lunch will be provided, please bring your own beverage.

Date: Tuesday, January 22nd
Time: 12:15-1:15 pm
Location: Helen Wood Hall Auditorium (1w-304)

Save the Date: Conference on Smoking Cessation For Parents By Pediatricians

The goals of the Conference on Smoking Cessation For Parents by Pediatricians are to review the epidemiology of tobacco smoke exposure in children, discuss why pediatricians should intervene with parents who smoke, and present a practical, brief in-office approach to smoking cessation focused on the smoking parent. This one-day conference will be held twice: at RGH on March 19th and at URMC on March 20th. Grand Rounds will be presented during both sessions by Susanne Tanski, MD, MPH - a national expert in the field of smoking cessation. It will be followed in the late-morning by two-hours of additional didactic lectures and, in the early afternoon, by two-hours of workshops. CME is available. In addition, there will be an event the evening of March 19 at the Saunders Research Building at URMC. Dinner will be provided. Our Visiting Lecturer, Susanne Tanski, MD, MPH will provide an additional lecture on exposure to 'third-hand' smoke.To register please contact James R Campbell, MD, MPH via email or at 585-922-3919.

Date: March 19th and March 20th
Time: 8:00 am - 3:00 pm
Location: Rochester General Hospital (March 19th) and Golisano's Children's Hospital (March 20th)

January is National Mentoring Month: Workshop on January 22nd

Please join us for a panel discussion with the authors of a recent article in the Journal of Graduate Medical Education: "Love Letters: An Anthology of Constructive Relationship Advice Shared Between Junior Mentees and Their Mentors" (click here for article). All authors are from the University of Rochester and plan to discuss frustrations and good advice on improving the mentor-mentee relationship. A reception will follow the discussion. To register, please click here. For questions, please contact Kurt Zeller at kzeller@ur.rochester.edu

Date: Tuesday, January 22nd
Time: 5:00-7:00 pm
Location: Saunders Research Building, Room 1.416

Enroll Now for EndNote X6 Classes

EndNote is one of two bibliographic management programs available to you free of charge at UR. With EndNote, you can search online databases, organize references, images, and PDFs, and instantly create in-text citations and bibliographies. Plus, you can choose from thousands of bibliographic styles, including APA, AMA, and other commonly used styles in medicine and health. Miner Library is now enrolling for EndNote classes that will introduce you to the newest features, including importing references from online databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar and creating a manuscript and bibliography using MS Word. All classes are in Miner’s Computer Classroom 1, Rm. 1-6051. There is no charge for the class but registration is required. Register at Miner Classes. For more information contact Valorie Hallinan at 275-6873 or Valorie_Hallinan@urmc.rochester.edu. Classes are scheduled for:

Friday, January 25 from 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Thursday, February 14 from 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Friday, March 15 from 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM

January 14, 2013

Featured Event: Addressing Emotional Sequelae of Vision Loss using Person-Centered Approaches

The CTSI Seminar Series resumes for the Spring 2013 semester on Tuesday, January 15th. The series will kick-off with Dr. Silvia Sorenesen presenting "Addressing Emotional Sequelae of Vision Loss using Person-Centered Approaches". Silvia Sorensen, PhD, is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and with the Center for Community Health. Dr. Sorensen's research focuses on the geriatric community, specifically on caregiving and mental disorders. Lunch will be provided, please bring your own beverage.

Date: Tuesday, January 15th
Time: 12:15-1:15 pm
Location: Helen Wood Hall Auditorium (1w-304)

Public Health Grand Rounds: Guideposts for Analysis of Observational Data

The next session of Public Health Grand Rounds will feature Dr. Peter Veazie presenting "Guideposts for Analysis of Observational Data". Dr. Veazie is an Associate Professor in the Department of Public Health Sciences. This presentation will focus on understanding the challenges presented by observational data and provide indicators for the use of various methods. Methods discussed will include matching, propensity scores, regression discontinuity and interrupted time series, difference-in-differences models, instrumental variables, and marginal treatment effects.

Date: Friday, January 18th
Time: 12:00-1:00 pm
Location: Helen Wood Hall Auditorium (1w-304)

Deadline to Submit Abstracts for Translational Science 2013 Extended to January 20th

The deadline to submit abstracts for Translational Science 2013 has been extended to Sunday, January 20. Take advantage of nine extra days to compile your research and submit your work! Accepted abstracts will be published in Clinical and Translational Science (CTS), a publication that holds the prestige of being indexed in MEDLINE. Both researchers and trainees can submit abstracts. Additionally, trainee abstracts are eligible for awards based on review by senior investigators. Submissions in methodology, best practices, and resources are especially sought. Submit your abstract here.

January 7, 2013

Featured Event: Designing Smart Medical Devices for Health Information Systems Integration

MedTech is pleased to sponsor the event "Designing Smart Medical Devices for Health Information Systems Integration". The featured presenter will be Dr. Joseph M. Jasinski, IBM Distinguished Engineer and Global Industry Executive with Smarter Healthcare and Life Sciences at IBM Research. This meeting will explore linking medical technology to centralized EMR systems, initiatives and guidelines/standards from the NYS Department of Health and the US Department of Health and Human Services for integrating HIT with new medical devices, and how future computing and informatics tools will interface with large health systems data networks. Click here for more information and to register.

Date: Thursday, January 24th, 2013
Time: 12:45-3:45 pm
Location: Zebro Room, NYS Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences, 701 Ellicott Street, Buffalo

Medical Scientist Research Symposium January 9th

The Medical Scientist Research Symposium is a half-day annual event to showcase the research and scientific accomplishments of the University of Rochester’s Medical Scientist Training Program. The intent of this event is to draw a large audience of researchers from across the university to promote interaction, discussion and collaboration. As such, all are invited to attend our poster session and keynote address. The 2013 Dr. Thomas A. and Joyce E. Pearson Endowed Lecturer is Anthony Atala, MD. Dr. Atala is the Director of the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, and the W.H. Boyce Professor and Chair of the Department of Urology at Wake Forest University. Dr. Atala is a practicing surgeon and a researcher in the area of regenerative medcine, and his current work focuses on growing new human cells, tissues and organs. Click here for more information and to register.

Date: Wednesday, January 9th, 2013
Time: 12:00-4:30 pm
Location: Helen Wood Hall Auditorium (1w-304)

New Scientific Review Policy in 2013

Effective January 1 2013, the Office for Human Subject Protection (OHSP) has adopted a new University policy governing department-ensured scientific review of research protocols including human subjects. Over the last few months, Chairs of affected departments had the opportunity to discuss this policy and any department-specific needs with those individuals responsible for generating the policy.

Historically, department reviewers have documented that scientific-review was conducted by checking a box in the RSRB Online Submission System (ROSS), but no formal documentation of the department’s process for conducting scientific review was identified. In addition, department reviewers did not consistently provide documentation of the protocol-specific scientific review in ROSS.

With this new policy, the elements of conducting an adequate scientific review based upon the subject involvement and risk are outlined and each department will be responsible for providing a department-specific policy documenting their process for conducting scientific review. In addition, for each protocol-specific review the department reviewer will need to upload documentation of the review into the ROSS system. Researchers should familiarize themselves with the elements of the scientific review to make certain that their protocols sufficiently address these core requirements. Please contact your Department Chair with specific questions related to how your department will implement this policy. Any other concerns can be addressed to: ResearchHelp@urmc.rochester.edu.

Three related documents are now available on the OHSP website:

Policy: The policy establishes the core requirements for department-ensured scientific review of research protocols including human subjects.

Checklist: A sample checklist to document protocol-specific scientific review. Many departments have decided to adopt this template as is, though some have chosen to modify to include additional review criteria required by that department.

Guidance and definitions: This document provides definitions and more specific detail about the elements of conducting an adequate scientific review.

December 31, 2012

Featured Event: 2013 Medical Scientist Research Symposium

Date: Wednesday, January 9th, 2013
Time: 12:00-4:30 pm
Location: Helen Wood Hall Auditorium (1w-304)

ClinicalTrials.gov Clinic on January 2nd

Do you have a question about registering your study or reporting your results in ClinicalTrials.gov? Do you have an error that you cannot fix? Join the CTSI Research Navigator team during the clinic for instant expertise and assistance. Walk-ins are always welcome! For questions, please email ResearchHelp@urmc.rochester.edu

Promotions and Tenure in the School of Medicine and Dentistry

The next Faculty Development Workshop will feature Jeffrey M. Lyness, MD discussing "Promotions and Tenure in the School of Medicine and Dentistry." Dr. Lyness is Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at the University of Rochester Medical Center. He is also a Professor in the Department of Psychiatry. Dr. Lyness previously had served as Director of Curriculum and as Medical Director for Continuing Medical Education for the UR medical school.

Date: Tuesday, January 8th, 2013
Time: 4:00-6:00 pm
Location: Louise Slaughter Room (1-9555)

December 24, 2012

Featured Event: Panel Discussion on "Love Letters: An Anthology of Constructive Relationship Advice Shared Between Junior Mentees and Their Mentors"

Please join us for a panel discussion with the authors of a recent article in the Journal of Graduate Medical Education: "Love Letters: An Anthology of Constructive Relationship Advice Shared Between Junior Mentees and Their Mentors" (click here for article). All authors are from the University of Rochester and plan to discuss frustrations and good advice on improving the mentor-mentee relationship. A reception will follow the discussion. More information is available here. For questions, please contact Kurt Zeller.

Date: Tuesday, January 22nd
Time: 5:00-7:00 pm
Location: Saunders Research Building (Room 1.416)

Registration is Now Open for Translational Science 2013

Join translational professionals and academics from all around the country on April 17th-19th at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington DC. Register before April 5 to benefit from early-bird registration discounts. 2013 program highlights include:

A Grantsmanship Skills Workshop: designed for faculty at all career stages who are preparing grant applications to the NIH, especially those at the K to R transition. The workshop focuses on how to communicate the key elements of successful NIH proposals through didactics and experiential learning.
Be a part of the highest concentration of the clinical and translational science field in one place at one time
Participate in networking opportunities that span the scientific field, including a chance to meet with key leaders and peers
Take part in advocacy training sessions and Capitol Hill day visits with Congress
Present or view poster presentations from administrators, researchers, and trainees
Earn CME credits through career development educational opportunities
Tour the NIH clinical center

Call for Nominations: 4th Annual Dr. David Satcher Community Health Improvement Awards

The University of Rochester’s Center for Community Health is seeking nominations for the 4th Annual Dr. David Satcher Community Health Improvement Awards, recognizing individual University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) faculty and staff for significant contributions to the health of the community through research, teaching, practice and/or outreach programs. The awards reflect the shared mission of the Center for Community Health and the URMC to develop and expand university-community partnerships that support participatory research and interventions to reduce health inequalities and/or improve the community’s health. Awards will be made based on work done in the greater Rochester area and Finger Lakes Region. The deadline for nominations is noon on Friday, January 18, 2013. Click here for information on the nomination process.

December 17, 2012

CTSI Featured Event: How technology could transform clinical trials

The next session of the CTSI Seminar Series will feature Ray Dorsey, MD, Associate Professor of Neurology and Director of Movement Disorders and Neurology Telemedicine at Johns Hopkins Medicine. Dr. Dorsey was previously a fellow in experimental therapeutics, instructor, and assistant professor at the University of Rochester. For the past five years, with Dr. Kevin Biglan, Dr. Dorsey has used simple web-based video conferencing akin to Skype to provide care to patients with Parkinsons disease, intitially in nursing homes and more recently in their homes. Using this model, Dr. Dorsey has provided care to patients in five states and 13 countries on four continents. The same technology can be used to transform clinical research enabling greater participation of and reduced burden on research participants.

Date: Tuesday, December 18th
Time: 12:15-1:15 pm
Location: Whipple Auditorium (2-6424) - Please note the location change

Center for Integrated Research Computing (CIRC) Symposium Series

Next Friday's Center for Integrated Research Computing (CIRC) Symposium Series will feature two presentations from URMC researchers. Anthony Almudevar, PhD will present "On the Use of Boolean Networks for Modeling Gene Regulatory Networks" and Stanislav Bellaousov will present "On-Going Research Talk: Accelerating Nucleic Acid Design Using Pre-Selected Sequences." Complimentary pizza and soda will be served.

Date: Friday, December 21st
Time: 11:30 am-1:00 pm
Location: URMC 3-7619 (Upper S-Wing Auditorium)

December 10, 2012

CTSI Featured Event: Notes to File: An Auditor's Perspective

The next session of the CTSI Seminar Series will feature Lorrie D. Divers, CCRP, RQAP-GCP, Executive Director of Global Quality Assurance & Compliance, ACM Medical Laboratory, presenting "Notes to File: An Auditor's Perspective". Lorrie Divers has 25 years of clinical research experience, progressively ranging from study coordinator, study site and program management to monitoring, clinical project management, compliance, quality assurance, training and GCP auditing. Lunch will be provided. Please bring your own beverage. This is seminar is jointly sponsored by the Office of Human Subject Protection.

Date: Tuesday, December 11th
Time: 12:15-1:15 pm
Location: Helen Wood Hall Auditorium (1w-304)

SCORE Annual Holiday Social December 13th

The next Study Coordinator's Organization for Research and Education (SCORE) meeting will feature a presentation by Linda Hasman, CTSI Liaison Services Librarian, entitled "Coordinator Resources Available Through Miner Library". Following the presentation there will be a holiday social featuring SCORE’s version of “Jeopardy”. The session will conclude with a networking session for all attendees.

Date: Thursday, December 13th
Time: 12:00-1:30 pm
Location: Helen Wood Hall (1w509)

Do You Need Help Planning or Operating a Research Study? Attend the CTSI Consultation Clinic and Receive Assistance!

Investigators are invited to attend the CTSI consultation Clinic to receive instant to access to expertise in many subject areas. Information will also be available about the CTSI Research Navigator Program and other researcher resources of interest. Email researchhelp@urmc.rochester.edu if you are interested in attending.

Date: Monday, December 10th
Time: 3:00-5:00 pm
Location: Saunders Research Building (1.412)

Faculty Development Workshop Focuses on Promoting Educational Change

The next Faculty Development Workshop will feature Charles J. Hatem, MD, Professor of Medicine at the Harvard Medical School presenting "Helping Faculty Become Better Teachers and Agents of Educational Change". Dr. Hatem is the Director of Faculty Programs in Medical Education at the Shapiro Institute for Education and Research and Director of Medical Education at Mount Auburn Hospital.

Date: Wednesday, December 12th
Time:10:00 am -12:00 pm
Location: Northeastern Room (1-9525)

Free ResearchMatch Training Webinar

ResearchMatch.org is offering free webinars for researchers and study coordinators who are interested in learning more about this free recruitment tool. ResearchMatch is a national recruitment registry that brings together researchers and people who are interested to learn more about research studies via a secure website. If you are interested in this training you can register here.

Date: Thursday, December 13th
Time: 3:00-4:30 pm

December 3, 2012

CTSI Featured Event: Dissecting the Mechanisms of the Cancer-cell Metabolic Transformation

The next session of the CTSI Seminar Series will feature Tom Brenna, PhD, Professor of Nutritional Sciences and Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University, presenting " Dissecting the Mechanisms of the Cancer-cell Metabolic Transformation". Dr. Brenna's laboratory focuses on three research areas: requirements for polyunsaturated and branched chain fatty acids especially in the perinatal period, development of advanced analytical chemical instrumentation particularly mass spectrometry for biomedical applications, and development of high precision isotope ratio mass spectrometry for anti-doping applications. Lunch will be provided. Please bring your own beverage.

Date: Tuesday, December 4th
Time: 12:15-1:15 pm
Location: Helen Wood Hall Auditorium (1w-304)

Topics in Medical Technology Regulations: Case Studies Highlighting Regulatory Affairs in Practice

The University of Rochester Biomedical Engineering Department and the Clinical & Translational Science Institute present the fourth and final seminar in a series providing an overview of FDA medical device regulation, focusing on how the regulatory path can influence design and testing of medical technology. The fourth seminar will focus on the role of the regulatory professional in industry. Presenters Bryan Lisa, RAC, and Jennifer Paine, RAC, from the Ortho Clinical Diagnostics (OCD) franchise of Johnson & Johnson will be sharing information on real-life scenarios in regulatory affairs, with details on regulatory filings and the true cost of a submission, including actual FDA examples and case studies. More information can be found here.

Date: Thursday, December 6th
Time: 8:30-9:30 am
Location: Goergon Hall, Sloan Auditorium, Room 101

Public Health Grand Rounds: Dr. Robert Panzer will Demystify Modern Quality Metrics

The next session of Public Health Grand Rounds will feature Robert J. Panzer, MD, FACP, URMC Chief Quality Officer and Associate Vice President, presenting " The Pay for Performance and Public Reporting Tsunamis - Is Enthusiasm for Quality Measure Getting Ahead of their Validity ". Dr. Panzer's talk takes a closer look at the almost exponential expansion of Congressionally-mandated performance measures and publicly-disseminated scorecards. As Associate Vice President for Patient Care Quality and Safety, he will shed light on which ones matter most.

Date: Friday, December 7th
Time: 12:00-1:00 pm
Location: Helen Wood Hall Auditorium (1w-304)

We Want Your Feedback: Annual CTSI Awareness Survey

The University of Rochester Clinical & Translational Science Institute Evaluation Working Group surveys all URMC faculty members on annual basis to gauge their utilization of and satisfaction with CTSI resources and services. Data from this survey is compared with previous years’ data to assess the impact of the CTSI and also to expand services as deemed necessary. Additionally, data from this survey provides important feedback to inform the ongoing development of the CTSI, as we move forward in bringing research to clinical and community practice. Please take a few moments to complete this very brief survey.

November 26, 2012

Featured Event: "Research and Education in a Data Intensive Era:" A Seminar by Dr. Cora B. Marrett, Deputy Director, National Science Foundation

According to several sources, a data deluge increasingly marks science and engineering. The proliferation of often complex data provides challenges to the worlds of discovery and of education. These challenges are garnering ever greater attention from NSF (and other parts of the Federal government) in the context of "Big Data." Click here to read Dr. Marrett's bio. For more information, call 585-275-1171.

Date: Wednesday, November 28th
Time: 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m
Location: Hawkins-Carlson Reading Room, Rush Rhees Library

Faculty Development Workshop: The Role of Networking in Professional Development

The next Faculty Development Workshop will feature " The Role of Networking in Professional Development" presented by Jeffrey R. Allen, MD and Linda H. Chaudron, MD, MS.

Date: Tuesday, November 27th
Time: 4:00-6:00 pm
Location: Louise Slaughter Room (1-9555)

Biostatistics and Computational Biology 2012 Fall Colloquium

Elizabeth Schifano, PhD, Assistant Professor in the Department of Statistics at the University of Connecticut, will present “Testing with Correlated Data in Genome-wide Association Studies." The complexity of the human genome makes it challenging to identify genetic markers associated with clinical outcomes. This identification is further complicated by the vast number of available markers, the majority of which are unrelated to outcome. As a consequence, the standard assessment of individual (marginal) marker effects on a single outcome is often ineffective. It is thus desirable to borrow information and strength from the large amounts of observed data to develop more powerful testing strategies. Dr. Schifano will discuss testing procedures that capitalize on various forms of correlation observed in genome-wide association studies.

Date: Thursday, November 29th
Time: 3:30-4:30 pm
Location: Helen Wood Hall (1w-510)

Burroughs Wellcome Fund Underrepresented Minority (URM) Postdoctoral Enrichment Program

The Underrepresented Minority program provides a total of $50,000 over three years to support the development of a URM postdoctoral fellow in a degree-granting institution or its affiliated graduate and medical schools, hospitals , and research institutions. Individual URM postdoctoral fellows conducting biomedical or medical research are eligible to apply.The deadline for applications is January 15th, 2013. Click here for more information.

Announcement: Offices of Technology Transfer are Moving

The University of Rochester Medical Center and River Campus Offices of Technology Transfer will be moving into one location at the Medical Center the weekend of November 30th. There may be periods of limited access to the Tech Transfer email. During that time from Friday, November 30th at noon through Monday, December 3rd at 2 pm for any critical deadlines, please contact: Michael Rusnak at 585-465-0186. An updated address, telephone and other contact information will be provided once confirmed.

Announcement: The Weekly Update has Moved to Mondays!

The CTSI Weekly Update will now be delivered on Monday mornings at 5:00 am. Start your week off right by reading about the latest clinical and translational science related news and events!

November 16, 2012

CTSI Featured Event: Visualization of High-Dimensional Data

The next session of the CTSI Seminar Series will feature Martin Zand, MD, PhD, Professor of Medicine (Nephrology) and Medical Humanities presenting Visualization of High-Dimensional Data. Dr. Zand's research program is focused the role of B cells in alloimmune responses in solid organ transplantation and the adaptive immune response to biopathogens.Lunch will be provided. Please bring your own beverage.

Date: Tuesday, November 20th
Time: 12:15-1:15 pm
Location: Helen Wood Hall Auditorium (1w-304)

Let’s Go Fly A Kite! Using Public Policy Advocacy to Address Childhood Obesity

The next session of Public Health Grand Rounds will feature Wade Norwood, Director of Community Engagement for the Finger Lakes Health Systems Agency who will discuss HEALTHi Kids, a community-based coalition that advocates for policy and practice changes that address childhood overweight and obesity. Over the past several years, Healthi Kids has successfully advocated for changes to the City School District’s food service program and Wellness Policy that has improved the nutritional quality of food school and restored daily recess at elementary schools.

Date: Friday, November 16th
Time: 12:00-1:00 pm
Location: Helen Wood Hall Auditorium

Call for Nominations: 4th Annual Dr. David Satcher Community Health Improvement Awards

Clinical Information Systems to Shut Down in Early December

Clinical Information Systems (CIS) will begin to shut down operations on December 3rd and plan to complete the process by December 5th. As of December 5th, all historical data will now be available in eRecord, via the Archive Viewer. You can learn how to access archive data through this eLearning; eRecord access is necessary to view the archive in eRecord. If you do not currently have access to eRecord, please view the eRecord website for information on how to apply for access. After your form is submitted, allow up to two weeks for review and processing. If access is granted, you will need to complete training (for most, training can be completed online) before you can access eRecord. Please email Scott O’Connor if you have any questions or concerns.

Request for Applications: Tuberculosis Research Units

The NIAID invites applications to support the establishment of two to three multinational, multidisciplinary Tuberculosis Research Units. The University may submit only one grant application. The internal deadline is December 3rd. Read about the application process here.

November 9, 2012

Invited Speaker: Henry Ginsberg, Director of the Irving Institute of Clinical and Translational Research at Columbia University

The next session of the CTSI Seminar Series will feature Henry Ginsberg, MD, presenting "Use of Stable Isotopes to Determine the Mechanisms of Action of Novel Pharmacologic Agents in Humans: Looking Beyond Plasma Lipid Levels." Dr. Ginsberg's research is focused on the molecular and cellular regulation hypertriglyceridemia, particularly in patients and animal models of insulin resistance and diabetes. Lunch will be provided. Please bring your own beverage.

Date: Tuesday, November 13th
Time: 12:15-1:15 pm
Location: Helen Wood Hall Auditorium (1w-304)

Topics in Medical Technology Regulations: Medical Device Recalls and Pathways to Market and Use

The University of Rochester Biomedical Engineering Department and the Clinical & Translational Science Institute present the third in a series of four seminars providing an overview of FDA medical device regulation, focusing on how the regulatory path can influence design and testing of medical technology. Dr. Joan Adamo will discuss the 510(k) and PMA pathways to bring a medical device to market, with special focus on the differing requirements for clinical studies and supporting documentation. Emphasis will also be placed on the idea that these requirements need to be incorporated early during the design and development of the product. Case studies will provide examples of the regulations in practice. More information can be found here: http://www.urmc.rochester.edu/bme/resources/events.cfm

Date: Thursday, November 15th
Time: 8:30-9:30 am
Location: Goergen Hall 101

Health Services Research Seminar: People are Dying in Nursing Homes. Are They?

The next session of the Health Research Services Seminar will feature Helena Temkin-Greener presenting People Are Dying In Nursing Homes: Are They? The proportion of US deaths occurring in nursing homes has been increasing in the last two decades and is expected to reach 40% by 2020. Despite being recognized as an important setting in the provision of end-of-life care, little is known about the quality of care provided to dying nursing home residents. In this seminar we will examine measures of end-of-life quality, variations in quality measures across facilities and over time.

Date: Friday, November 9th
Time: 12:00 – 1:00pm
Location: Helen Wood Hall (1W-509)

We Want Your Feedback: Annual CTSI Awareness Survey

Translational Science 2013 Call for Abstracts: Deadline is January 11th

Submit your research for presentation in Washington, DC this spring. Accepted abstracts will be published in Clinical and Translational Science (CTS), a publication that holds the prestige of being indexed in MEDLINE. Both researchers and trainees can submit abstracts. Additionally, trainee abstracts are eligible for awards based on review by senior investigators. Don't miss this opportunity to share your work and gain exposure in this unique cross-disciplinary meeting. Submissions in methodology, best practices, and resources are especially sought. Click here to read more and submit your abstract.

AACI Translational Cancer Research Fellowship for Post-Docs

Applications are now being accepted for the 2013 Association of American Cancer Institutes Translational Cancer Research Fellowship. The $50,000 grant supports researchers engaged in any area of clinical and/or translational cancer research. The J.P. Wilmot Cancer Center can only nominate one individual. The internal deadline is November 20th. Click here for more information.

November 2, 2012

CTSI Featured Event: Genomics, Metagenomics and Infectious Disease

The next session of the CTSI Seminar Series will feature Steven Gill, PhD presenting Genomics, Metagenomics, and Infectious Disease. Dr, Gill is an Associate Professor of Microbiology and Immunology and his research interests are centered around microbial pathogens and the impact of human microbial flora on human health and disease. His current focus is on 1) virulence determinants of Staphylococcus aureus and 2) relationship of the oral microbial community and oral cancer. Lunch will be provided. Please bring your own beverage.

Date: Tuesday, November 6th
Time: 12:15-1:15 pm
Location: Helen Wood Hall Auditorium (1w-304)

The Role of the Internet in Healthcare: Health IT and Web 2.0 Technologies

The next session of Public Health Grand Rounds will feature Guodong (Gordon) Gao, PhD, Co-Director of the Center for Health Information and Decision Systems at the University of Maryland. Dr. Gao will discuss the controversies and payoffs associated with Health IT. He will describe the upcoming wave of Web 2.0 technologies designed to empower patients and the transparency of care quality measures, with a close look at online rating of doctors by patients. Light lunch will be provided

Date: Friday, November 2, 2012
Time: 12:00-1:00 pm
Location: K-307 (Aud. 3-6408) in Medical Center

Registration Open for Annual Neurosciences Retreat

The annual Neurosciences Retreat will be held from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, November 16th, at the Memorial Art Gallery. The retreat will feature talks from University faculty and graduate students. Lorna Role, chair of the department of neurobiology and behavior at SUNY Stony Brook, will present the keynote address. The retreat is sponsored by the the Neuroscience Graduate Program, the University Committee for Interdisciplinary Studies, the Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, and the John Bartlett Memorial Fund. Registration is free and open to the University community.

Mark Noble Gives His Faculty Perspective on November 13th

Faculty Perspectives is an online lecture series sponsored by the Office of Alumni Relations that brings some of the Rochester's most distinguished scientists, artists, teachers, and thinkers directly into your home or office. As a participant you will have the opportunity to listen, raise questions, and engage in thoughtful exchange of ideas with some of the University's leading experts. Join us for our next virtual meeting of the minds as Professor Mark Noble discusses his work with stem cell medicine on Tuesday, November 13 at 1:00 pm. Click here to register for this webinar.

October 26th, 2012

CTSI Featured Event: Clinical Trials: Changes and Challenges

The next session of the CTSI Seminar Series will feature Karen E. Woodin, PhD from JKK Consulting, LLC presenting "Clinical Trials: changes Changes and Challenges". Dr. Woodin is a consultant/trainer to the pharmaceutical industry in the areas of clinical operations, GCPs, SOPs, IRBs and site monitoring. This session of the CTSI Seminar Series is co-sponsored by the Office for Human Subjects Protection. Lunch will be provided. Please bring your own beverage. The University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry designates this live educational activity for a maximum of one AMA PRA Category 1 Credit. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Date: Tuesday, October 30th
Time: 12:15-1:15 pm
Location: Helen Wood Hall Auditorium (1w-304)

Health Services Research Seminar: Mental Illness and Quality of "Medical" Care

The next session of the Health Research Services Seminar will feature Yue Li, PhD, Associate Professor, presenting "Mental Illness and Quality of "Medical" Care. Persons with mental illness are at a higher risk for developing chronic diseases such as diabetes. Meanwhile, they have less access to appropriate medical and primary care as a result of their mental disability and associated social and behavioral deficits. This seminar will focus on this issue of disparity in primary medical care for mentally-ill persons.

Date: Friday, October 26, 2012
Time: 12:00 – 1:00pm
Location: Helen Wood Hall (1W-502)

Diversity Conference: Creating an Inclusive Research Climate

The Office for Faculty Development and Diversity will host the first campus-wide diversity-related research conference, “Creating an Inclusive Research Climate". The keynote speaker is Roger Worthington, Professor of Psychology at the University of Missouri and editor of the Journal of Diversity in Higher Education. Following the keynote will be a panel, roundtable discussion, and a poster session all on the themes of the legitimacy of diversity-related scholarship, gaining inclusion into the ‘canon,’ minority research subject participation and recruitment, and publishing. More information and registration is available online.

Date: Tuesday, November 13th
Time: 12:00-4:00 pm
Location: Hawkins-Carlson Room, Rush Rhees Library

New Blog Outlines Two Paths in PCORI Research Funding

A new Health Affairs Blog post details how PCORI is moving toward greater specificity in the research it will fund via two "complementary but equally critical paths". PCORI Executive Director Joe Selby, MD, MPH, and PCORI staff scientist Rachael Fleurence, PhD, describe both paths, one a broad "investigator-initiated" funding process and the other a more directed "patient- and stakeholder-initiated" approach. The first path was launched in May when the broad PCORI announcement was issued. But recognizing that this approach could miss important questions that matter to patients, Selby and Fleurence note, PCORI initiated the second approach, which "directly involves patients and other stakeholders in generating questions that address specific problems identified as having a significant impact on them and the health care system as a whole." You can read the complete blog post here and voice your opinion in the comments section.

McKnight Technological Innovations in Neuroscience Award

The Technological Innovations in Neuroscience Award supports scientists working on the development of novel approaches to understanding brain function. The internal deadline is November 23rd. Read about the application process here.

Kimmel Scholar Award and Kimmel Translational Sciences Award

The Sidney Kimmel Foundation for Cancer Research is accepting applications for two awards: The Kimmel Scholar Award and the Kimmel Translational Sciences Award. The internal deadline is November 26th. Read about the application process here

October 19th, 2012

CTSI Featured Event: Trancriptomics Applied to Translational Research on Muscular Dystrophy

The next session of the CTSI Seminar Series will feature Charles Thornton, MD, Professor of Neurology, presenting Transcriptomics applied to translational research on muscular dystrophy. Dr. Thornton's recent research has focused on reversing symptoms of myotonic muscular dystrophy in mice by eliminating a buildup of toxic RNA in muscle cells. The work was published in the August 2, 2012 issue of Nature. Lunch will be provided.

Date: Tuesday, October 23rd
Time: 12:15-1:15 pm
Location: Helen Wood Hall Auditorium (1w-304)

Device Design, Development & Applications in Clinical Studies

The University of Rochester Biomedical Engineering Department and the CTSI present the second in a series of four seminars providing an overview of FDA medical device regulation, focusing on how the regulatory path can influence design and testing of medical technology. The seminar will begin with Dr. Amy Lerner describing development of a device using the waterfall design process and documenting the process in the Design History File required by the FDA. In the second half of the seminar, Dr. Joan Adamo will discuss factors to determine if human studies are necessary and then the process of bringing a drug or medical device into a clinical trial under the governance of an Institutional Review Board and the FDA. Case studies incorporated throughout the talk will provide examples of the regulations in practice.

Date: Thursday, October 25th
Time: 8:30-9:30 am
Location: Goergen Hall, Sloan Auditorium, Room 101

Your Opinion Counts! How can Computational Technologies Facilitate Clinical Research?

On November 9th, the CTSI will host two senior scientists from IBM, Drs. Marty Kohn and Joe Jasinski , for a visit to discuss and contemplate innovative ways to use computational technologies to facilitate clinical research. You are invited to spend a half-hour with them to discuss your research ideas, and perhaps develop some new ideas regarding how high performance computing, our new IBM Blue Gene/Q machine or other computing technologies could support your work. Please contact Mary Little if you would like to meet with Drs. Kohn and Jasinski. Click here for Drs. Kohn and Jasinski's bios.

Reminder: Deadline for CTSI KL2 Program Applications is October 25th

October 12th, 2012

CTSI Featured Event: Post-genomics for the Oral Microbiome

The next session of the CTSI Seminar Series will feature Robert Quivey, PhD, Director of the Center for Oral Biology, presenting Post-genomics for the oral microbiome (or, what will we do with all of those genes!?) . Dr. Quivey's research work is focused on Streptococcus mutans, which colonizes the human mouth from the time of tooth eruption until death. The persistence of the organism is remarkable and efforts are being directed to learning the biological means by which it chronically infects virtually every person in the developed nations. Lunch will be provided.
Date: Tuesday, October 16th
Time: 12:15-1:15 pm
Location: Helen Wood Hall Auditorium (1w-304)

Conference on Glia in Disease to be held October 18th

The 2012 CTSI Symposium will feature eight speakers in the forefront of glia research who will highlight current and emerging concepts regarding the role of glia in complex physiological processes as well as the non–cell autonomous influence of glia to acute and chronic neurological injuries. Additional information on the newest experimental tools, either developed or adapted for use in glia research, will be presented. The main goal is to present this rapidly exploding area of neuroscience research in such a way that investigators can incorporate current concepts to their own field of interest. Read more about the conference and register here.

Health Services Research Seminar Today: Multiple Sides of Multiple Sclerosis

Today's Health Services Research Seminar will feature Katia Noyes, PhD, Professor presenting “Multiple Sides of Multiple Sclerosis: Building a Multidisciplinary Research Program”. Over last two decades, Dr. Noyes' research has focused on several translational and multidisciplinary areas related to MS including developing new pharmacologic therapies for MS, cost-effectiveness of existing MS medications, access and cost of long-term care for patients with MS, and implementation and quality of comprehensive coordinated system of care for patients with MS.
Date: Friday, October 12, 2012
Time: 12:00 – 1:00pm
Location: Helen Wood Hall, Room 1W-502

CTSA Coordinating Center Revamps Website

The CTSA Coordinating Center at Vanderbilt University, also known as C4, launched a new and expanded website last week. The re-designed site features a wealth of information about the CTSA Consortium, news about research conducted at CTSA institutions, and links to resources for researchers, trainees, and research volunteers. Member of CTSA Consortium committees can log in for access to committee resources such as meeting agendas, minutes, working documents, schedules and other information. Check out the new site here: CTSACentral.org.

Are You Interested in Research Ethics or Research on Ethics? The CTSI Wants to Hear from You!

The CTSI is interested in bringing together faculty, staff and others interested in Research Ethics and Research *on* Ethics. Goals would be to create a forum to discuss and collaborate, as well as to contribute to the national conversation, including through the consortium of CTSA-funded Institutions. To express interest in learning more about future activities, please email Annie (Varney) Yockel.

October 5th, 2012

CTSI Featured Event: Dissecting the Mechanisms of the Cancer-cell Metabolic Transformation

The next session of the CTSI Seminar Series will feature Joshua Munger, PhD, Assistant Professor of Biochemistry and Biophysics, and Microbiology and Immunology presenting Dissecting the Mechanisms of the Cancer-cell Metabolic Transformation. The goal of Dr. Munger's research is to identify novel, cancer-specific metabolic activities and define how they are genetically triggered. Ultimately, he plans to explore new avenues to block these activities, thereby destroying cancerous cells. Lunch will be provided.
Date: Tuesday, October 9th
Time: 12:15-1:15 pm
Location: Helen Wood Hall Auditorium (1w-304)

SCORE Meeting Highlights Revamped URMC Health Research Website

The Study Coordinators Organization for Research & Education (SCORE) October monthly meeting will feature Dr. Ann Dozier, RN Associate Professor and Division Chief of Social and Behavioral Medicine in the Department of Public Health Sciences presenting “Newly Revised URMC Health Research Website: How to post your study on the website”. The presentation will take place from 12:00pm – 1:00pm and a networking session will be held from 1:00pm – 1:30pm.

Date: Thursday, October 11th
Time: 12:00-1:30
Location: Helen Wood Hall 1w510

Dr. Jesse Goodman (FDA) Seminar: "Advancing Regulatory Science to Protect and Promote Health"

Jesse Goodman, MD, MPH, Deputy Commissioner and Chief Science Officer at the FDA, will present "Advancing Regulatory Science to Protect and Promote Health" on October 26th. Dr. Goodman is the Agency's Chief Scientist and is responsible for leading and coordinating FDA's cross-cutting scientific and public health efforts, among which has been the FDA response to the H1N1 pandemic. A small lunch will be provided. Click here to read Dr. Goodman's bio.

Date: Friday, October 26
Time: 12:00-1:00 p.m
Location: Helen Wood Hall Auditorium (1W-304)

Wilmot Cancer Research Fellowship Program

The Wilmot Cancer Research Fellowship Program provides funds to allow physicians to undertake research of the highest quality for investigating the causes, diagnosis, treatment or prevention of cancer. The goal of the program is to provide research training that will prepare physicians to undertake and maintain their own independent careers in cancer research and training. The Wilmot post-doctoral fellowship supports mentored research training for physicians with MD or MD/PhD degrees who have completed their residency training and intend to pursue an academic career in clinical, translational or basic cancer research. Applicants are encouraged to complete and submit the required information by December 1. Click here for an overview of program eligibility and the application process.

September 28th, 2012

CTSI Featured Event: Quantifying Intraclonal Heterogeneity in Follicular Lymphoma

The next session of the CTSI Seminar Series will feature Richard Burack, MD, PhD, Associate Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and Medicine (Oncology) will present "Quantifying intraclonal heterogeneity in Follicular Lymphoma". Dr. Burack is Director of Hematopathology, including the flow cytometry laboratory, lymphoma tissue banking activities, and the hematopathology fellowship program. Lunch will be provided.
Date: Tuesday, October 2nd
Time: 12:15-1:15 pm
Location: Helen Wood Hall Auditorium (1w-304)

Health Services Research Seminar Covers Healthcare Decision Making

Peter Veazie, Associate Professor of The Division of Health Policy & Outcomes Research (HPOR), will present “How Can a Physician’s Focus on Opportunities Versus a Focus on Threats Impact Decisions: Regulatory Focus Theory and Healthcare Decision Making”. This seminar presents theory, analysis, and empirical research that suggests the underlying psychological mechanism can play an important role in physician decision making. This psychological mechanism is of particular interest because it is subject to manipulation and has clear implications for tailoring a decision environment: the seminar will address implications for future research and interventions.

Date: Friday, September 28th
Time: 12:00 - 1:00 pm
Location: Helen Wood Hall (1w-502)

Cite the CTSI!

One of the ways that you can help ensure that CTSI programs, services and resources are available when you need them is to give credit where credit is due. If your publication has benefited from CTSI support in any way (for instance, through pilot project funding, a career development award, a training grant appointment, the Research Navigator Program, or any other CTSI support), remember to acknowledge that support using the appropriate CTSI grant number. Click here for instructions on how to acknowledge the CTSI. Thank you for your support!

Statement of Interest – Participating in PCORI’s Pilot Process for Prioritizing Specific Research Topics

PCORI is pleased to announce an opportunity for patients and stakeholders to help PCORI review and test its process for prioritizing specific research topics in a pilot exercise. This will involve ranking suggested research questions using PCORI-specific criteria. In the future, after the process is approved and implemented, prioritized lists will be presented to PCORI’s Board of Governors, who will make the final selection of topics. PCORI invites all interested individuals, patients, caregivers, stakeholders, health care researchers, and experts to submit a statement of interest to participate in the pilot for prioritizing specific research topics. Statements of interest are due by 5:00 p.m. EDT, Monday, October 1, 2012. Attendees will be selected based on experience, willingness to collaborate in a multi-stakeholder environment, and interest in scientific research methods. If selected as a pilot participant, PCORI will support travel and related expenses of the participant to the workshop in Washington, D.C.Click here for more information and application materials.

NYSHealth Launches 2013 Special Projects Fund Request for Proposals

The New York State Health Foundation (NYSHealth) 2013 Special Projects Fund Request for Proposals (RFP) is now available. This foundation has a broad mission to improve the health of New York State residents. In order to have a tangible impact, most of the Foundation's grantmaking is focused on three priority areas: expanding health insurance coverage, improving the management and prevention of diabetes, and encouraging the integration of substance use and mental health services. Applicants must submit an online inquiry form to determine whether a proposed project fits the funding criteria. There are two deadlines for the online inquiry form: October 22, 2012, and April 19, 2013. .NYSHealth Special Projects Fund awards are one-time, non-renewable funding opportunities. Click here for more information on the 2013 Special Projects Fund RFP.

September 21st, 2012

CTSI Featured Event: Poly–omics: Probing Biological Systems in Partnership with Shared Resource Laboratories

The next session of the CTSI Seminar Series will feature Tim Bushnell, PhD, URSMD Core Facilities Director, presenting "Poly –omics; Probing Biological Systems in Partnership with Shared Resource Laboratories". The Core Facilities provide services to all researchers at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry and offers such resources as a Biomolecular Interaction Laboratory, Confocal and Conventional Microscopy, Flow Cytometry and a Functional Genomics Center. Lunch will be provided.
Date: Tuesday, September 25th
Time: 12:15-1:15 pm
Location: Helen Wood Hall Auditorium (1w-304)

Mentoring faculty and trainees – Dr. Richard McGee, Jr., PhD

Dr. Richard McGee, Jr., PhD, Associate Dean for Faculty Recruitment & Professional Development at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine will give a presentation on mentoring geared towards both trainees and faculty for the Mentor Development Core Fall Workshop. Dr. McGee's research interests focus on the development of young scientists. Lunch will be provided. Click here to RSVP for the event
Date: Wednesday, October 17th
Time: 12:15-1:30PM
Location: Helen Wood Hall Auditorium, 1W-304

Second Cycle of Funding Requests for PCORI Open Now

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) launched its second cycle of funding requests to support $96 million in comparative clinical effectiveness research that will give patients and those who care for them the ability to make better-informed health care decisions. All application materials can be accessed from the Funding Opportunities section of PCORI's website. Letters of Intent are due on October 15th. The PCORI Funding Announcements (PFAs) correspond to four of the five areas of focus outlined in its National Priorities for Research and Research Agenda:

Assessment of Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Improving Healthcare Systems
Communication and Dissemination
Addressing Disparities

MedTech 2012 Annual Conference

The MedTech 2012 Annual Conference will be held September 24th and 25th at the Hyatt Regency in Rochester, NY. This year’s conference, “The Upside of Change: Succeeding in the Face of Uncertainty,” will focus on finding opportunity in the transformation of the healthcare industry and our roles as agents of change. For more information and to register, click here.

Medical Technology Regulation Pathways Seminar Series

The University of Rochester Biomedical Engineering Department and the CTSI announce a four-seminar series providing an overview of FDA medical device regulation, focusing on how the regulatory path can influence design and testing of medical technology. The first seminar, scheduled for September 27th, will introduce medical devices, the concept of significant risk, and describe the multiple levels of devices classifications; all factors that influence the design process. Each seminar will build on previous discussions, but are designed to offer stand-alone content. Comparisons with regulation of drugs and biologics will illustrate key points, and case studies will be used to highlight challenging regulatory situations. Seminars are on Thursdays from 8:30am-9:30am in Goergen Hall, Sloan Auditorium, Room 101: September 27th, October 25th, November 15th and December 6th. Look for the specific topic to be identified in the CTSI Weekly Update one week before the seminar.

September 14th, 2012

Featured Event: Health Services Research Seminar Series Begins Today!

The Division of Health Policy & Outcomes Research will kick off its Fall seminar series today with a presentation by Dr. Jim Dolan titled “The Perils of Patient-Centered Healthcare: Uncertainty about Uncertainty”. The fall series will focus on ongoing HPOR faculty research and will feature presentations on many topics including shared decision making, nursing home quality and healthcare costs. All lectures are held from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. on Fridays in the Helen Wood Hall Educational Wing (1W-500s). View the full schedule here.
Date: Friday, September 14th
Time: 12:00-1:00 pm
Location: Helen Wood Hall Classroom (1w-510)

CTSI Seminar Series HSPP Presentation : Non-Compliance

The next session of the CTSI seminar series will be held on Tuesday, September 18th, and will feature Kelley O'Donoghue, MPH, CIP, Director of the Office for Human Subject Protection, presenting on "Non-Compliance". Lunch will be provided, please bring your own beverage. This session of the CTSI Seminar Series is co-sponsored by the Office for Human Subject Protection. Lunch will be provided. Please bring your own beverage. The University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry designates this live educational activity for a maximum of one AMA PRA Category 1 Credit. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Date: Tuesday, September 18th
Time: 12:15-1:15 pm
Location: Helen Wood Hall Auditorium (1w-304)

Workshop: The Art and Science of PCORI Applications

Interested in applying for research funding from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI)? The Clinical and Translational Science Institute and the Center for Research Implementation and Translation will present a workshop on “The Art and Science of PCORI Applications” on September 25, from 10am to Noon, in Helen Wood Hall Room 1W-430 (the Jacoby Board Room). Dr. Thomas A. Pearson will provide an overview of the PCORI application format and process, and experienced PCORI applicants and reviewers will discuss the fine points, respond to questions and lead a roundtable discussion, with an emphasis on patient and community engagement and the PCORI Methodology Report. Please RSVP to Mary Little, at mary_little@urmc.rochester.edu. More information on patient-centered outcomes research, including funding opportunities, reports and events, is available on the PCOR SharePoint site (http://inside.mc.rochester.edu/sites/PCOR/ - login required).

Rochester Big Data Forum 2012

The Rochester Big Data Forum 2012 (October 4th-6th) brings together renowned researchers from across the nation, leaders of federal research funding agencies, representations of high technology companies, and faculty and students from the University of Rochester together for three days of presentations, discussions, and networking. Topics include predictive analytics, machine learning, computational physical, life, and social sciences, the semantic web, and more! Faculty, students, and local members of the UR community are encouraged to register here.

Center for Integrated Research Computing Symposium Series

The Center for Integrated Research Computing (CIRC) will host its first symposium of the semester on Friday, September 21st from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in URMC 3-6408 (K-307 Auditorium). This month's featured speaker is Benjamin Miller from the Departments of Dermatology, Biochemistry and Biophysics, and Biomedical Engineering. His talk will focus on the simulation of the ideal biosensor. CIRC will also present a brief update of some of its technology and resources during this event. Pizza and soda will be served during the symposium. Click here for more information.

CTSA Tool Shop Webinar: Patient Refined Information Services Manager (PRISM)

John Spertus from the University of Kansas Medical Center, will present "Patient Refined Information Services Manager (PRISM)" on Friday, September 14th. Join this webinar to hear how PRISM can target goals such as Improving patient safety, outcome and cost. PRISM supports the execution of multivariable prediction models with patient-specific characteristics so that personalized estimates of outcomes, often as a function of alternative treatments, can be generated within the routine flow of patient care. If you are interested in attending click here to register.
Date: Friday, September 14th
Time: 12:00-1:00 pm ET

September 7th, 2012

CTSI Seminar Series Kicks-Off on September 11th

The 2012-13 CTSI Seminar Series kicks-off on September 11th with Thomas Pearson, MD, PhD, MPH, Senior Associate Dean for pearson Clinical Research, and Director of the Clinical & Translational Science Institute presenting the " UR-CTSI State of the Science ". The Fall 2012 CTSI Seminar Series will feature an exciting series of lectures focused on topics related to"The Translational Potential of "-omics" Research." Additionally, the CTSI is pleased to be able to offer live streaming and a webcast archive of all the CTSI seminars this year, for those who are not able to attend in person. CME credits will be available for those attending in person. Click here for the full CTSI Series Schedule including webcast links.

Date: Tuesday, September 11th, 2012
Time: 12:15-1:15 pm
Location: Helen Wood Hall Auditorium (1w-304)

CTSI Featured Personality: Doran Mix

The CTSI supports medical students interested in a year-out experience of mentored clinical and translational research. Most students will enter through the Academic Research Track (ART), which is the foundation of the CTSI program. Doran Mix, a CTSI TL1 Predoctoral Program trainee, and his team completed a number of multidisciplinary projects that apply biomedical engineering concepts to solve problems in cardiovascular medicine. Mix says his experience with the CTSI has inspired him to continue to do research for the remainder of his career. Click here to learn more about Doran Mix and his research.

3rd Annual Conference on Clinical Research for Rare Diseases

The NIH Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network will sponsor the 3rd Annual Conference on Clinical Research for Rare Diseases on October 2nd, 2012 in Rockville, Maryland. Clinical research in rare diseases presents a number of challenges and unique issues that are not usually considered in the training of clinical investigators through existing training programs. Goals of the conference include: Direct instruction of trainees and new investigators in rare disease research methodology, development of a reusable curriculum/syllabus on rare disease research methodology, and stimulation of ideas regarding the unique issues facing investigators engaged in the study of rare diseases. Click here for more information.

2012 Mid-Career Women Faculty Professional Development Seminar

The AAMC is accepting applications for the Mid-Career Women Faculty Professional Development Seminar, to be held December 1-4, 2012 in Austin, Texas. Applications are due September 25th. Read more about the seminar here.

CTSI Releases Incubator Program Request for Applications

The CTSI Incubator Program is an expansive pilot program that may be thought of as a "program project pilot" mechanism. Like traditional program project grants, the award is meant to fund two or more individual pilot projects by collaborating investigators linked to a scientific or clinical theme. The program seeks to solicit areas for development of the most promising clinical and translational research within the institution, where larger, carefully targeted investments can accelerate progress. These "superpilot" programs will be eligible for awards of up to $125,000 per year, for up to two years of support per research program. Initial abstracts are due by October 8th. Click here to read more about the Incubator Program and access the RFA.

Environmental Health Sciences Center Releases Request for Applications

The Environmental Health Sciences Center (EHSC) has funds to support a limited number of meritorious Pilot Projects. The objective of the pilot project should be relevant to the theme of the EHSC, namely "Environmental Agents as Modulators of Human Disease and Dysfunction". Of particular interest are proposals addressing how the environment modifies stem cell function, affects early life origins of adult diseases, and disrupts host/pathogen interactions. The deadline for submitting initial applications is October 5, 2012. Click here to read about the application process.

August 31st, 2012

CTSI Releases Incubator Program Request for Applications

CTSI Releases KL2 Career Development Program Request for Applications

The Mentored Career Development Program (KL2 Scholars Program) in Clinical/Translational Research is a two-year program designed to support the career development of those who wish to pursue research careers in multidisciplinary clinical and translational science. The goal of the program is to foster the discipline of clinical and translational research and, by increasing clinical research capacity, to expedite multidisciplinary clinical and translational science at the University of Rochester Medical Center. Individuals interested in applying for the KL2 program must submit a letter of intent by September 27, 2012. Click here to view the full KL2 RFA.

NSF Major Research Instrumentation Program

The National Science Foundation Major Research Instrumentation Program assists with the acquisition or development of shared research instrumentation that is too costly and/or not appropriate for support through other NSF programs. The internal deadline is October 15th. Read about the application process here.

Framework Programs for Global Health Innovation

Fogarty International Center invites applications for the development of broad, interdisciplinary training programs in global health directed towards encouraging innovation in products, processes, and policies for low and middle income countries. The internal deadline is October 19th. Read about the application process here.

August 24th, 2012

CTSI Offers Support for ClinicalTrials.Gov Study Registration

The CTSI Office of Regulatory Support (ORS) offers services to support the registration and reporting of clinical research trials at ClinicalTrials.gov, a database of clinical research trials conducted in the United States and around the world. Study registration and reporting of results / adverse events is required by federal law for most clinical trials. Registration is also a requirement for publication in many medical journals. The CTSI Research Navigator Program also hosts monthly clinics to provide support for ClinicalTrials.gov users. The clinic is held the first Wednesday of each month from 9:00-11:00 am and the next clinic is scheduled on September 5th, 2012 in the Saunders Research Building (1.201).

Save the Date: Fall Mentor Development Workshop on October 17th

Please join us for a presentation by Richard McGee, Jr., PhD, Associate Dean for Faculty Recruitment & Professional Development at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Dr. McGee's research interests focus on the development of young scientists. Lunch will be provided
Date: Wednesday, October 17th
Time: 12:15-1:30PM
Location: Helen Wood Hall Auditorium, 1W-304

CTSI Wins ResearchMatch Award

The CTSI is the first, two-time winner of the MatchMaestro award from ResearchMatch. Read the full story.

August 17th, 2012

URMC CTSI Wins the MatchMaestro Award For the Second Time!

The MatchMaestro has been awarded to the University of Rochester Clinical and Translational Science Institute for the second quarter of 2012, and for the second time in the past year. The MatchMaestro is awarded quarterly to the Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) institution that has enrolled the most participants in research studies at their institution via matches made through ResearchMatch.org, ResearchMatch is an NIH-sponsored volunteer registry that helps match researchers and volunteers. Click here to learn more about ResearchMatch and how it could help you with subject recruitment.

PHS Conflict of Interest Training

In 2011 the Public Health Service issued an updated Final Rule on conflict of interest which requires that each investigator engaged in a Public Health Service (PHS) funded research project receive training regarding conflicts of interest prior to engaging in a PHS research grant (new and non-competing). The UR has updated its UR Conflict of Commitment and Interest Policy to be compliant with the Final Rule. Before expending funds on PHS project(s), each investigator is required to complete an on-line Blackboard training course to be acquainted with the updated Policy. Each faculty member listed as an investigator on at least one PHS funded project with a pending renewal date and/or an initial start date of August 24 should have received an email this week with this information and self-enrollment instructions to the Blackboard course. Click here for more infomation on the PHS Conflict of Interest Training. If you have questions regarding this training, please contact Gunta Liders (Gunta.Liders@rochester.edu) or Michael Ritz (Michael.Ritz@rochester.edu).

Register Now for September NCBI Discovery Workshops

Miner Library will host a series of free NCBI Discovery Workshops on September 17 – 18, 2012, and registration is now open. The sessions, taught by Dr. Peter Cooper from NCBI, are hands-on, with detailed handouts. The workshops are open to all URMC faculty, staff, and students. Additional information about the workshops is available here. If you have questions, please contact Donna Berryman at 585-275-6877.

September 17, 2012:

Sequences, Genomes & Maps 9 am – 11:30 am, Auditorium K-307 (3-6408)

Proteins, Domains & Structures 1 pm – 3:30 pm, Auditorium K-307 (3-6408)

September 18, 2012:

NCBI BLAST Services 9 am – 11:30 am, Ryan Case Method Room (1-9576)

Human Variation and Disease Genes 1 pm – 3:30 pm, Whipple Auditorium (2-6424)

August 10th, 2012

Featured Event: PCORI Webinar: “Setting Standards for Patient-Centeredness and Patient Engagement in Research”

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) will hold a special webinar to brief stakeholders on PCORI’s draft pcori Methodology Report and encourage public comment. The draft report, released July 23, 2012, offers standards to guide health care stakeholders towards the best and most appropriate methods for conducting patient-centered outcomes research. The webinar will provide patients, caregivers and the broader health care community an in-depth discovery of the contents of the draft Methodology Report and the proposed standards for how patients should be engaged throughout the research process. Please contact Mary Little if you are interested in attending this webinar.

Date: Tuesday, August 14th
Time: 1:00-2:00 pm
Location: Saunders Research Building, Conference Room 1.410

Research Subject Recruitment and Retention Website Available

Recruitment of volunteer research subjects and retaining them as participants in a clinical study is the foundation of a successful project. The new Research Subject Recruitment and Retention Website provides information to help research teams be successful in carrying out their recruitment and retention strategies. The website also offers access to recruitment tools and evidence databases.

2012-13 CTSI Seminar Series Begins on September 11th

The CTSI Seminar series will kick-off on September 11th with the Annual UR-CTSI State of the Union presentation given by Dr. Thomas Pearson, Director of the Clinical and Translational Science Institute. The Fall semester of the 2012-2013 CTSI Seminar Series will feature an exciting series of lectures focusing on topics in The Translational Potential of "-omics" Research. All of the lectures will take place in the Helen Wood Hall Auditorium (1W-304). Click here for the full CTSI Seminar Series Schedule.

AHRQ Releases Funding Opportunities Related to Management of Healthcare-Associated Infections

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality released two new funding opportunities:

Health Services Research Demonstration and Dissemination Projects for Prevention and Management of Healthcare-Associated Infections (R18): This FOA solicits grant applications for funding to conduct Health Services Research Demonstration and Dissemination Projects (R18) that propose to address strategies and approaches for prevention, reduction, and effective management of HAIs. The total costs for a grant awarded under this FOA will not exceed $500,000 annually for the entire project period.
Large Research Projects for Prevention and Management of Healthcare-Associated Infections (R01): This FOA solicits grant applications for funding to conduct Large Research Projects (R01) that propose to advance the base of knowledge for detection, prevention, reduction, and effective management of HAIs. The FOA describes the broad areas of HAI research for which funds are available to support Large Research Projects. The total costs for a grant awarded under this FOA will not exceed $500,000 annually for the entire project period.

ICD-10 Transition

The University of Rochester Medical Center will be transitioning from ICD-9 diagnosis and procedure codes to ICD-10 codes in the near future. The transition is a tremendously complex undertaking from a clinical perspective, but it may also have impacts on researchers that currently use ICD-9 codes in their studies. If any of your systems contain or will contain ICD 9 codes, there exists the risk that your systems and longitudinal data will fail when the switch to ICD 10 occurs. Remediation planning is required to mitigate this risk. If you collect or store data for research purposes that includes ICD-9 codes, or use information systems that utilize ICD-9 codes in your research, please contact Gary Scialdone in Information Systems. The ICD-10 Team will work with you to support your transition to the new coding system.

August 3rd, 2012

Featured Event: PCORI webinar: “Setting Standards for Research Methods”

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) will be holding a webinar today entitled “Setting Standards for Research quality standards Methods”. The webinar will provide an in-depth account of the scientific value of the proposed standards. It is best suited for technical audiences, including researchers and scientists. Speakers are PCORI Methodology Committee members Steven Goodman, MD, MHS, PhD, Associate Dean for Clinical and Translational Research, Stanford University School of Medicine; Robin Newhouse, PhD, RN, FAAN, NEA-BC, Chair and Associate Professor, University of Maryland School of Nursing; and PCORI’s Director of Engagement Research Lori Frank, PhD.
Date: Friday, August 3rd
Time: 1:00-2:00 pm
Location: Saunders Research Building, Room 1.416

PhD Program in Translational Biomedical Science

The University of Rochester offers an innovative Ph.D. program in Translational Biomedical Science, one of the first of its kind. The goal of the program is to prepare individuals for academic and clinical careers relating to the translation of basic biomedical research into clinical strategies to improve health. Click here for more information on this program. Click here for to view the students enrolled in the PhD in Translational Biomedical Science Program.

2012 Academic Core Curriculum Schedule

The Academic Core Curriculum, hosted by the Department of Pediatrics, provides training in research and other scholarly activities. Topics discussed include application of biostatistics, clinical and laboratory research methodology, study design, preparation of funding applications, clinical research protocols, public presentation, critical literature review, principles of evidence-based medicine, principles of communication and more. Click here to view the 2012 Academic Core Curriculum schedule of events.

UIDP University Technology Showcase Webinar

The University-Industry Demonstration Partnership is hosting a University Technology Showcase Webinar, featuring the CTSI, on August 14th from 1:00-2:30 p.m. The University community is welcome to listen to the presentations in Helen Wood Hall Auditorium (1W-304) in the School of Nursing, from which the event will be recorded. To read the webinar agenda and project abstracts, click here.

New Office for Human Subject Protection Website

The Office for Human Subject Protection is very excited to introduce a NEW website… www.rochester.edu/ohsp. All of the services provided by OHSP have been consolidated in to one site to make it easier for our research community to locate them. The new OHSP website is divided into three sections: RSRB, Education & Training and Quality Improvement. OHSP invites you to take a look at the new website and provide feedback about the redesign.

UR Technology Development Fund is Accepting Applications

The University of Rochester’s Technology Development Fund (TDF) is now accepting Pre-Proposal Applications. The TDF promotes the transfer and translation of UR research into commercial applications through monetary awards ranging from $40,000 to $100,000. New for 2012, the application has been streamlined allowing Therapeutics and Vaccines proposals to be evaluated using updated criterion; thus increasing the chances for an award in this area. The deadline for Pre-Proposal Application submission is September 1, 2012. For more information call Michael Rusnak at 748-2935.

July 27th, 2012

Featured Event: Crime Prevention: Creating Safe Places to Live and Play

The Summer in the City Seminar Series continues today at noon with a presentation entitled "Crime Prevention: Creating Safe Places to Live and Play." Learn all about crime prevention through environmental design and safe growth training from community members, city recreational employees and law enforcement officers.

Date: Friday, July 27th, 2012
Time: 12:00-1:00 pm
Location: Helen Wood Hall Auditorium (1w-304)

CTSI Medical Scientist Training Program

The Medical Scientist Training Program allows students interested in careers in medical science to undertake doctoral-level training in both clinical medicine and research. Students earn both an MD and a PhD. The CTSI provides support for students interested in careers in clinical and translational science to take part in the program. For more information regarding the MSTP Program please contact Dr. Kerry O'Banion. Click here to view all CTSI MSTP trainees and their projects. The following students are currently supported through the CTSI Medical Scientist Training Program:

Natalia Golub: "Longitudinal Health Outcomes in Former Refugees"
Aisha Siebert: "Fetal Basis of Adult Disease"

Community Health Mini-Grant

URMC faculty, staff, and community partners are invited to apply for the next round of the Community Health Mini-Grant Awards. The awards support community-URMC health improvement partnerships and amount up to $1,000. Applications are due August 24th at noon. Read more here.

NIH/NCI National Clinical Trials Network

The goal of the National Clinical Trials Network is to develop and conduct state-of-the-art cancer treatment and advanced imaging clinical trials, especially multi-institutional trials evaluating new cancer therapies and related clinical approaches. The internal deadline is August 27th. Read more here.

NIH/NIGMS Institutional Research and Academic Career Development Award Program

The IRACDA program provides support for a postdoctoral research experience at a research-intensive institution, combined with teaching assignments at a partner institution. Institutions must be committed to training students underrepresented in the biomedical and behavioral research enterprise. Internal applications are due August 10th. Read more here.

July 20th, 2012

Featured Event: Work Well. Live Well... When the Pressure is High

The Summer in the City Seminar Series continues today at noon with a presentation entitled " Work Well. Live Well...When the Pressure is High." It is estimated that 1 in 3 adults living in Monroe County has high blood pressure. Learn about two strategies—a worksite intervention and a community intervention—to reduce blood pressure and disparities in prevention, screening, and treatment.

Date: Friday, July 20th, 2012
Time: 12:00-1:00 pm
Location: Helen Wood Hall Auditorium (1w-304)

2012 CTSI Year-Out Trainees

The CTSI is pleased to announce the 2012 Year-Out Trainees.The CTSI supports medical students interested in a year-out experience of mentored research in clinical or translational research. Most students will enter Year-Out Program through the Academic Research Track (ART). Students who are selected as CTSI scholars receive stipend support and participating mentors receive funds to help support research activities.Click here to view all of the current and past Year-Out Trainees and their project descriptions. The 2012 CTSI Year-Out Trainees are:

Ron Menorca: Determining EPO's role in accelerating functional recovery of meme in a mouse chronic neuropathy model
David Paul: Using DTI to measure changes in occipital lobe white matter after decompression of the optic chiasm
Clifford Pierre: The Role of Altered Cerebrospinal Fluid Dynamics after Brain Surgery
Michael Prucha: Healthcare Worker's Role in Tobacco Control in the Dominican Republic
Yaoli Pu: P75 Neurotrophin Receptor Signaling and Trafficking

Scientific Writing Course for Mentors and Protégés

The Office of Graduate Education and the CTSI are pleased to offer a unique course designed to teach mentors to effectively and efficiently develop their protégés as scientific writers and to teach protégés the basics of scientific writing.The goals of the course are to help protégés learn to write good scientific English in articles and grants and work productively as writers and also to help mentors effectively teach skills in clear, concise and persuasive writing, particularly through constructive editing of scientific documents. A full course description can be found here.

NSF ADVANCE: Increasing the Participation and Advancement of Women in Academic Science and Engineering Careers

The goal of the ADVANCE program is to develop systemic approaches to increase the representation and advancement of women in academic science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers. This is a limited submission opportunity. Internal applications are due August 10. Read more here.

NIH Director's Early Independence Awards

The NIH Director’s Early Independence Award Program supports investigators who wish to pursue independent research directly after completing their doctoral/research degree or clinical residency. The University may submit up to two grant applications. The internal deadline is September 7. Read more here.

July 13, 2012

Featured Event: Active Transportation: Community Members On the Move

The Summer in the City Seminar Series continues today with a presentation entitled "Active Transportation: Community Members on active the Move". Active transportation is important for our economy, and the health, fitness, and social well-being of adults and children. Learn about plans to educate municipal leaders and planners on the importance of active transportation and how to incorporate effective options into their comprehensive plans.

Date: Friday, July 13th, 2012
Time: 12:00-1:00 pm
Location: Helen Wood Hall Auditorium (1w-304)

2012 CTSI KL2 Scholars

The CTSI is pleased to announce the 2012 recipients of KL2 Career Development awards. The KL2 Mentored Career Development program provides 2 years of support for new investigators interested in a career in clinical or translational research. Click here to view all KL2 Scholars and project descriptions. The 2012 CTSI KL2 Scholars are:

Margaret Holland, MPH, PhD: Patterns and Predictors of Adherence to Recommended Visit Schedules in a Home Visiting Program
Krupa Shah, MPH, MD: Preventing Functional Decline in HIV-infected Older Adults with Central Obesity
Kimberly Van Orden, PhD: The Role of Social Connectedness in the Etiology and Prevention of Late-Life Suicide

NIMHD Transdisciplinary Collaborative Centers for Health Disparities Research

The National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities seeks to establish specialized Transdisciplinary Collaborative Centers for Health Disparities Research. The University may submit only one proposal. Applications are due July 20th. Read more here.

CTSI Pilot Funding RFA Released

The overall goal of the CTSI Pilot and Collaborative Clinical & Translational Studies Awards Program is to provide research support for preliminary and proof-of-concept studies critical to moving basic laboratory findings into clinical applications. High priorities of the program are to facilitate development of enabling technologies, new therapeutic, diagnostic, or outcomes assessment approaches, and novel cross-disciplinary collaborative programs. Pilot funding will be targeted at research proposals which demonstrate ability to be catalytic in terms of generating new programs, directions, and funding for clinically applied research and methodologies. Initial abstracts are July 30, 2012. To view the RFA, click here.

July 6, 2012

George M. O'Brien Kidney Research Core Centers

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases invites applications for George M. O’Brien Kidney Research Core Centers to support basic and clinical research on kidney disease. The University may only submit one application. The internal deadline is August 6th. Read more here.

Join the CTSI on LinkedIn!

Join the University of Rochester Clinical and Translational Science Institute and many of your colleagues on the CTSI LinkedIn page. Learn about current events, news, funding opportunities and other information related to clinical and translational science.

June 29th, 2012

2012 CTSI Trainee, UNYTE, and NBEM Pilot Funding Recipients

The CTSI is pleased to announce the 2012 recipients of the trainee, UNYTE, and Novel Biostatistical and Epidemiologic Methodologies awardees awards. The CTSI Pilot and Collaborative Clinical & Translational Studies Awards Program provides research support for preliminary and proof-of-concept studies critical to moving basic laboratory findings into clinical applications. UNYTE Translational Research Network pilot awards facilitate collaboration by requiring collaboration between a University of Rochester principal investigator and a co-principal investigator from at least one other member institution within UNYTE. Novel Biostatistical and Epidemiologic Methodology Awards (NBEM) are designed to stimulate the development of novel biostatistical and epidemiologic methods to help overcome specifically identified limitations that will significantly enhance the validity, accuracy, scope or speed of translational research. Congratulations to the following individuals who will be receiving CTSI pilot funding (click here for full project descriptions):

Courtney Jones (Trainee Awardee): Developing an age-specific decision scheme for prehospital triage of injured older adult
Katia Noyes, PhD, MPH (UNYTE Awardee): Validity of Self-Reported Data for Studying Cognitive Problems and Depression
Yinglin Xia, PhD, MS (NBEM Awardee): Integrative Analysis of Pathways to SA and PPD in High Risk Families
Hua He, PhD (NBEM Awardee): Novel models for analyzing drinking outcomes: A pilot study comparing competing approaches
Rui Hu, PhD (NBEM Awardee): Detecting Intergene Association Changes in Microarray Data

Join the CTSI on LinkedIn!

Saunders Research Building Users Guide Available Online

The Saunders Research Building User’s Guide contains useful information about programs and services offered by the Clinical and Translational Science Institute, and about how to take full advantage of all the features and services available in the building. Click here to read the Guide.

PhRMA Foundation Fellowships and Research Starter Grants

The PhRMA Foundation has announced its 2013 grant program for fellowships and research starter grants. Fellowships and grants are awarded in informatics, health outcomes, pharmacology/toxicology, pharmaceuticals, and clinical pharmacology. Deadlines vary by program area. Read more here.

Doris Duke Clinical Scientist Development Award

The Doris Duke Clinical Scientist Development Award is designed to provide support to physician scientists during their transition from training to an independent research career. URMC can nominate only two candidates. Faculty must apply by August 1st. Read more here.

June 22, 2012

Featured Event: 2nd Annual URMC Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Symposium

The 2nd Annual Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Symposium will feature lectures from URMC faculty members and trainees, as well as keynote presentations from two leading scientists in stem cell biology. Dr. Vittorio Gallo, Director of the Center for Neuroscience Research at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, DC will present "Oligodendrocyte Regeneration and Myelination After Perinatal Brain Injury". Dr. Robert Miller, Professor in the Department of Neurosciences at Case Western University will present "Developing stem Cell Therapies for Demyelinating Diseases". Read more here.

Date: June 25th, 2012
Time: 10:00 am -5:00 pm
Location: Class of 62 Auditorium

2012 CTSI Faculty Pilot Funding Recipients

Congratulations to Dr. Neil Blumberg, Dr. Lisa DeLouise, Dr. Ajit Kulkarni, and Dr. Yang Liu, the 2012 recipients of the CTSI Pilot Funding in the faculty category. The overall goal of the CTSI Pilot and Collaborative Clinical & Translational Studies Awards Program is to provide research support for preliminary and proof-of-concept studies critical to moving basic laboratory findings into clinical applications. The following projects were awarded funding:

Improving Platelet Storage and Transfusion Outcomes with PPARγ Ligands (PI: Blumberg)
High throughput sorting of rare cells from blood using Microbubble Arrays (PI: DeLouise)
Characterization of antifibrotic effects of CDDO, a small electrophilic compound (PI: Kulkarni)
Therapeutic targeting of CXCR7 in malignant glioma by small molecule antagonist (PI: Liu)

Ingenuity Pathway Analysis Training

Want to learn more about one of the most popular molecular biology downloadable software packages? Ingenuity System’s Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) is one of the molecular biology software packages that is available to U of R Investigators and administered through the URMC Miner Library and the CTSI. The Getting started with IPA training session is a shared webinar that provides basic information about how to get started using Ingenuity System’s Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA). Come join your colleagues and remain after the webinar to discuss issues and form new collaborations! These webinars are free, but registration is required. Click here to register. For additional information about these workshops, please contact Mark Plessinger at 275-6413 or by email.

Date: Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Time: 1:00 - 2:30
Location: Miner Computer Classroom 1 (1-6051)

ClinicalTrials.gov Clinics

Have a question about registering your study or reporting your results in ClinicalTrials.gov? Have an error that you cannot fix? Stop by the ClinicalTrials.gov Clinic on August 1st from 9:00-11:00am in the Saunders Research Building, CTSI Directors' Office, Room 1.201. Walk-ins are welcome! If you have any questions, please email ResearchHelp@urmc.rochester.edu. Additional clinics have been scheduled on the following dates: September 5th, October 3rd, November 7th, and December 5th.

Therapeutics Discovery Technical Assistance Webinar

NCATS is hosting a Therapeutics Discovery technical assistance webinar on Monday, June 25, 2012, from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. ET. All prospective applicants are invited to participate. Registration for the webinar by Friday, June 22, is preferred but not required. If you want to send questions in advance (vs. during the webinar), you must submit them by June 22. Read more about the Therapeutics Discovery Funding Program here.

June 15, 2012

Featured Event: Summer in the City Seminar Series Resumes Today with "Rochester's Got H.E.A.R.T"

The Center for Community Health is pleased to announce that the 2012 Summer in the City Seminar Series kicks-off today, Friday, June 15th. The introductory presentation is entitled Rochester’s Got H.E.A.R.T. (Health Engagement and Action for Rochester's Transformation) and will be presented by Byron Kennedy, MD, PhD, MPH, Deputy Director of the Monroe County Department of Public Health and Theresa Green, MBA, Director of Community Health Policy and Education at the URMC Center for Community Health. Join us to hear about the 5-year, $3.6 million CDC grant awarded to the University of Rochester Medical Center, the Monroe County Department of Public Health, and numerous community partners to design and implement policy, system, and environmental changes to prevent and control chronic disease locally. With a focus on prevention, the aim is to support healthy living and ensure that healthy choice is easy in schools, neighborhoods, worksites, and clinical settings.
Date: Friday, June 15th
Time: 12:00-1:00
Location: Saunders Research Building, Room 1.416

Dr. Patricia Sime Receives 2012 CTSI Incubator Award

Congratulations to Dr. Patricia Sime and her team for winning the 2012-13 CTSI Incubator Award. Dr. Sime was awarded funding for the project "Cigarette smoke, oxidative stress, inflammation and lung injury: Novel therapeutic strategies". A full project description is available here. The goal of the CTSI Incubator Program is to prepare the project team to compete for a program-project or center grant.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute to Host "The Promise of Stem Cell Research" Forum on June 22nd

The Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies (CBIS) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute invites the community to attend The Promise of Stem Cell Research Forum on Friday, June 22nd at Noon. This discussion marks the opening of a state-of-the-art stem cell research center at the New York state-funded Rensselaer Center for Stem Cell Research, and is part of an ongoing series of forums that introduces the public and Rensselaer community to the life-saving and high-tech research at CBIS. Read more here.

PCORI Update

Letters of intent for the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute’s (PCORI’s) current funding opportunities are due today Friday, June 15th, and must be submitted through PCORI’s online application system. The Center for Research Implementation and Translation (CRIT) will support applicants and will keep track of all applications submitted, so please send a copy of your letter of intent to Judy Principe at Judith_Principe@urmc.rochester.edu. Applications are due July 31st. Two additional funding cycles are planned, with application due dates of November 30th, 2012 and March 31st, 2013. Read more here.

NCATS Update - Discovering New Therapeutic Uses for Existing Molecules

On Tuesday, the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) released the list of 58 compounds that will be eligible for the “Discovering New Therapeutic Uses for Existing Molecules” program that was announced last month. NCATS also announced the addition of 5 new pharma partners that will join the original three: Abbott, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen Pharmaceutical Research & Development, L.L.C., and Sanofi. The originally announced partners are Pfizer, AstraZeneca, and Eli Lilly and Company. You can read the press release from NCATS here. The library of eligible compounds is here. The application process is described here (including links to the program announcement and RFAs). A webinar for prospective applicants is planned for June 25th.

New “Resources for K Awardees” Website

The Society for Clinical and Translational Science (SCTS) has introduced a new section of their website, “K Awardee Corner,” a collection of resources for K Awardees. The site features websites, blogs, and resources to help you make the most out of your K award and advance your career. For more information, click here.

June 8, 2012

Featured Event: 2nd Annual URMC Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Symposium

Date: June 25th, 2012
Time: 10:00 am -5:00 pm
Location: Class of 62 Auditorium

Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Research Centers: Special Interest Project Competitive Supplements

The CDC has released an RFA which will provide supplemental funding to Prevention Research Centers, to design, test, and disseminate effective prevention research strategies in the areas of: Nutrition and Weight Status, Family Planning, and HIV Prevention. This funding opportunity announcement (FOA) solicits cooperative agreement applications from applicant organizations that propose to (1) focus on the major causes of death and disability, with an emphasis on underserved and vulnerable populations (2) improve public health practice through community-based participatory research, and (3) design, test, disseminate, or translate effective public health programs at the state and community level. Deadline for applications is July 6th, 2012 and the full RFA can be found here. If you are interested in applying for this opportunity please contact Kathleen Jensen by email or by phone at 275-0674.

Four New Training Sessions Offered through the Molecular Biology Information Support Service (MBISS)

Managed as a service of the CTSI Research Navigator Program, in collaboration with Miner Library, the Molecular Biology Information Support Service (MBISS) provides assistance with analysis of genomic and proteomic data. MBISS provides information about tools used to perform genomic and proteomic data analysis and provides training sessions and workshops for specific software. Click here for class description and to access the registration portal. The following training sessions are now available for registration:

Genome and Database Searching: An Introduction. June 22nd, 2012 from 1:00-1:55 pm
MapViewer by NCBI: An Introduction. June 27th, 2012 from 1:00-1:55 pm
Entrez Gene: An Introduction. July 20th, 2012 from 1:00-1:55 pm
NCBI's Blast. July 27th, 2012 from 1:00-1:55 pm

June 1, 2012

Featured Event: Symposium on Myeloid Neoplasms, June 9th, 7:30am-5:00pm

Bennett The University of Rochester Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology and The Clinical and Translational Science Institute will hold a Symposium on Myeloid Neoplasms on Saturday, June 9th from 7:30am-5:00pm at the University of Rochester, Eastman School of Music, Hatch Recital Hall. A reception will follow from 5:30-6:30pm. The symposium honors Dr. John M. Bennett's 80th year and his dedication to leukemia research and community volunteerism for the Arts. Space is still available and pre-registration is highly appreciated. To register, contact Phoebe Downing at leukemiaresearch@urmc.rochester.edu or call 585-275-4915. To read more about this event click here.

PCORI Funding Opps Released/Teams to be formed

PCORI, the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute, released its first funding opportunity announcements on Wednesday, May 23rd. The four announcements involve up to $96 million in funding and correspond to the first four areas of focus in PCORI's National Priorities for Research and Research Agenda:

Assessment of Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options- for projects that address critical decisions that patients, their caregivers and clinicians face with too little information
Improving Healthcare Systems - for projects that address critical decisions that face health care systems, the patients and caregivers who rely on them, and the clinicians who work within them
Communication and Dissemination - for projects that address critical elements in the communication and dissemination process among patients, their caregivers and clinicians
Addressing Disparities - for projects that will inform the choice of strategies to eliminate disparities

Three funding cycles are expected each year. Cycle 1 applications will be due July 31st.

The URMC’s Center for Research Implementation and Translation (CRIT) has formed four focused working teams to assess these opportunities and to support development of competitive proposals. Please indicate your interest in participating in one of these four teams by e-mailing Dr. Harriet Kitzman (harriet_kitzman@urmc.rochester.edu) right away.

Created by the Affordable Care Act, PCORI “helps people make informed health care decisions – and improves health care delivery and outcomes – by producing and promoting high integrity, evidence-based information – that comes from research guided by patients, caregivers and the broader health care community.” For more information, please see PCORI’s press release or visit www.pcori.org.

ClinicalTrials.gov Clinic

Have a question about registering your study or reporting your results? Have an error that you cannot fix? Stop by the ClinicalTrials.gov Clinic on June 6th from 9:00-11:00am in the Saunders Research Building, CTSI Directors' Office, Room 1.201. Walk-ins welcome! If you have any questions, please email ResearchHelp@urmc.rochester.edu.

Novo Nordisk Diabetes Innovation Award Program

Novo Nordisk is offering a research award program to support both new and established scientists exploring novel hypotheses involving protein-based therapeutics and technologies for diabetes and obesity. There are two types of funding awards: "Early Exploration" and "Proof of Principle." The deadline for submissions is August 1, 2012. For more information, click here and contact Scott Steele, Ph.D., at scott.steele@rochester.edu.

Environmental Health Sciences Pilot Projects

The NIEHS Environmental Health Sciences Center (EHSC) is accepting applications for pilot projects that address how the environment modifies stem cell function, affects early life origins of adult diseases, and disrupts host/pathogen interactions. Initial applications are due June 15th. Read more about the internal selection process here.

NYSTEM Training Grant Fellowship

The University of Rochester Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Institute is accepting applications from PhD students for a New York State Stem Cell Science (NYSTEM) Training Grant Fellowship. Applicants must be working in the field of stem cell science and must have passed their qualifying examinations prior to applying for this fellowship. Applications must be sent to Jill Van Atta (jill_vanatta@urmc.rochester.edu) by July 1st. Read more here.

Linda Hasman (Miner Library) Office Hours

Linda Hasman, Miner Library's CTSI Liason Librarian, will be on-hand to assist investigators with biomedical database searching, EndNote/RefWorks questions, NIH Public Access Policy, and general information needs. Office hours will be listed in the schedule in the Weekly Update.

Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Symposium

The 2nd Annual Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Symposium will be held June 25th from 10:00am-5:00pm. The event will feature lectures from URMC faculty members and trainees, as well as guests Dr. Vittorio Gallo and Dr. Robert Miller, two leading scientists in stem cell biology. Cash prizes will be awarded for graduate student and post-doc posters. Poster registration forms must be submitted by 8:00am on June 18th. Read more here.

May 18th, 2012

Featured Event: Study Coordinators Organization for Research and Education ½ Day Workshop

Registration for the 4th Annual SCORE Half Day Workshop is open. This is a free half-day workshop for research professionals who actively coordinate research trials. Presentation topics include:

The Professionalization of Research Coordinators
Career Development Across the Continuum: A Panel Discussion
Best Practices: The Informed Consent Proces Starting from First Contact (Interactive Session)

Date: Tuesday, June 12th
Time: 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location: Helen Wood Hall Auditorium (room 1w304)

For further details and to register on-line please click here by June 5th. There is no charge for this event (Saunders Research Building Parking costs $6).

Time-sensitive Request: Preparation for NEW Research Funding Opportunities

Created by the Affordable Care Act, “The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) helps people make informed health care decisions – and improves health care delivery and outcomes – by producing and promoting high integrity, evidence-based information – that comes from research guided by patients, caregivers and the broader health care community.”

In the past several months, PCORI has been laying the foundation to release its first Funding Opportunity Announcements for research activities, expected before the end of May, 2012. Submission of funding applications will be due in July. To prepare for this very tight timeline, we seek to form focused teams to work together to assess opportunities and to support development of competitive proposals. Initial solicitations will focus on four priority topics:

Comparative Clinical Effectiveness;
Improving Healthcare Systems;
Communication and Dissemination; and
Fairness/Addressing Disparities.

Please indicate your interest in contributing to institutional readiness to respond by emailing Dr. Harriet Kitzman by May 25th.

May 11th, 2012

Featured Event: Pharmacometrics Symposium: Modeling and Simulation in Drug Development

The URMC Center for Human Experimental Therapeutics (CHET) and the University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences are pleased to cosponsor the Pharmacometrics Symposium. The symposium will focus on Modeling and Simulation in Drug Development and speakers will include Richard Lalonde, PharmD, (Vice President at Pfizer Inc.), Don Mager, PhD (UB School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences), Joga Gobburu, PhD (Former Director of Pharmacometrics, FDA), and Vlad Dragalin, PhD (Aptiv Solutions). The full agenda is available here. Direct additional questions to Charles Venuto.

Date: Friday, June 1st
Time: 1:00-5:00 pm
Location: Ryan Case Method Room (1-9576)

Brenda Kavanaugh Awarded NCURA Distinguished Service Award

Brenda Kavanaugh, Assistant Director of the URMC Office of Research and Project Administration, was presented with the 2012 Distinguished Service Award on Tuesday, April 24th at the NCURA Region II Meeting in Gettysburg, PA. The National Council of University Research Administrators (NCURA) Distinguished Service Award is an annual award to recognize members of NCURA Region II who have made sustained and significant contributions to the Region. Congratulations Brenda!

New CLASP Elective: Managing Sponsored Awards: including Communication of Best Practices

Communication is essential between departmental, pre-award and post-award offices to ensure that award compliance is managed effectively and efficiently. This program will examine such areas as best practices for good communication between departmental, pre-award and post-award offices. Register here.

Date: Thursday July 12, 2012
Time: 2:00 – 4:00
Location: K-307 Auditorium, Medical Center, Room 3-6408

Symposium on Myeloid Neoplasms on June 9th

A Symposium on Myeloid Neoplasms will be held on Saturday, June 9th, at the Eastman School of Music in honor of Dr. John M. Bennett’s 80th year and his dedication to leukemia research and community volunteerism for the Arts. To register please contact Phoebe Downing by May 15th. Click here for more information.

May 4th, 2012

Featured Event: Study Coordinators Organization for Research & Education (SCORE) Meeting

The Study Coordinators Organization for Research & Education (SCORE) will hold it's monthly meeting on Thursday, May 10th. The first hour of the meeting will be dedicated to roundtable discussions focused on keeping current on policies & practices, and enrollment of adult decisionally incapacitated research subjects and permission of authorized representatives. The last half hour of the meeting will be reserved for a networking session.

Date: Thursday, May 10th
Time: 12:00-1:30 pm
Location: Saunders Research Building, Room 1.412

New CLASP Elective: “An Introduction to Technology Transfer.”

The Office of Research and Project Administration is offering a new CLASP elective: “An Introduction to Technology Transfer.” The program will be held Wednesday, May 23rd from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. in K-207 Auditorium (2-6408). The course is designed for pre-award and departmental administrators. For more information, click here.

Research-related Laboratory Results – Subject Access through Patient Portal (MyChart)

All researchers are advised that beginning May 10, all URMC outpatients will have the ability to view portions of their medical record, including most lab results, pathology and radiology reports. Because of the potential impact on existing and future clinical research studies, we are providing background information on MyChart (the internet tool that patients will use to access their medical information) and to notify you of the protocols to follow to ensure that your research results are not impacted by patients now being able to conveniently see portions of their electronic chart. For more information, click here.

Susan Groth Selected as Fellow of American Academy of Nurse Practitioners

The University of Rochester School of Nursing is pleased to announce that Susan W. Groth, Ph.D., R.N., W.H.N.P.-B.C., Assistant Professor of Nursing, was recently selected as a 2012 fellow of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). Dr. Groth is widely recognized for her work to improve women’s health, particularly in the area of pregnancy-related obesity. Dr. Groth was also a CTSI KL2 Scholar in 2008-09 when she worked on a research project concerning the clarification of the gene environment interaction of the GNB3 Gene. She will be inducted with 42 other nurse practitioner leaders from across the country at the AANP 27th national conference in Orlando, Fla., on June 22. Read more here.

Gilbert B. Forbes Visiting Scholar: Leonard Zon, MD

The Department of Pediatrics hosts its next Gilbert B. Forbes Visiting Scholar, Leonard Zon, MD, on Wednesday, May 23rd from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. in the Class of ’62 Auditorium (G-9425). Dr. Zon will present “Pathways Regulating Stem Cell Self-Renewal and Migration.” Read more here.

Do You Love the Weekly Update? Do You Hate it? Either Way we Want Your Opinion!

The CTSI is looking for feedback on ways we can improve the Weekly Update Newsletter. Click here to take a very short survey and help us provide the most pertinent information to the URMC community.

April 27th, 2012

Featured Event: "Has the Time Come to Give Up Blinding in Clinical Trials?"

Nancy Geller, PhD, Director of the NHLBI Office for Biostatistics Research will present "Has the Time Come to Give Up Blinding in Clinical Trials?" on Thursday, May 3rd. Dr. Geller began her career in academe at the University of Rochester in 1970, followed by faculty positions at the University of Pennsylvania, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, and the Medical College of Pennsylvania. Dr. Geller’s dynamic leadership of NHLBI’s Biostatistics Office has expanded the expertise from clinical trials to include basic science and genetic studies.
Date: Thursday, May 3rd
Time: 3:30 pm
Location: Helen Wood Hall Auditorium (1w-304)

April 20th, 2012

CTSI Seminar Series: " Monitoring in the 21st century: What the Investigative Site needs to Know”

Lorraine D. Ellis, MS, MBA, President and CEO of Research Dynamics Consulting Group will present “Monitoring in the 21st century: What the Investigative Site needs to Know”. Research Dynamics is a boutique Clinical Research Organization (CRO) that provides high quality, flexible clinical research services, training, and consulting to the pharmaceutical, biotech, device industries as well as to investigators and academic medical centers. They use innovative technologies and experienced research professionals to ensure that patients benefit from novel therapies as soon as possible.

Date: Tuesday, April 24th
Time: 12:15-1:15 pm
Location: Helen Wood Hall Auditorium (1w-304)
This session of the CTSI Seminar Series is co-sponsored by the Office for Human Subjects Protection. Lunch will be provided. Please bring your own beverage. The University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry designates this live educational activity for a maximum of one AMA PRA Category 1 Credit. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

New Training Opportunities Offered in Coordination with Miner Library

The Miner Library and the CTSI have teamed up to present three new training opportunities. For additional information about any of these training opportunities, please contact Mark Plessinger by email or at 275-6413.

OMIM: Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man
Information about genes can provide powerful insights into pathways and human diseases. This workshop describes the use of the NCBI database Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM), a catalog of human genes and genetic disorders. It contains links to literature references, sequence records, maps, and related databases. The class is free, but registration is required. Details: May 7 at 1:00 – 1:55 in the Nesbit Computer Classroom (G-7545)

Ingenuity Pathway Analysis Training
Ingenuity System’s Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) is a proprietary software package administered through the Miner Library. IPA enables researchers to identify biological mechanisms, pathways and functions most relevant to experimental datasets or genes of interest. The Miner Library and the CTSI will be conducting two shared IPA webinars in which a discussion session will follow and allow new users to ask questions and to form collaborations among fellow users. Registration is required. Two webinars are being offered:

Getting Started With IPA: April 23 at 1-2 PM in the Miner Library Classroom I
IPA Data Upload: April 24 at 1-2 PM in the Miner Library Classroom I

April 13th, 2012

CTSI Seminar Series: CTSI Trainee Presentations

Please join us for a special session of the CTSI seminar series which will showcase the work completed by medical student research students who participated in the CTSI Year-Out Program. CTSI trainees will give presentations about their research projects. The following trainees will be featured:

Adam Weis presenting "Corneal Wound Healing and Ocular Optics After Descemet’s Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSAEK)"
Brandon Stein presenting "Subconcussive Head Blows and Changes in Balance Testing Among College Athletes"
Angel Kirkham presenting "Hitting the Streets: A Study of a Community Mental Health Treatment Program in Belize"

Date: Tuesday, April 17th
Time: 12:15-1:15 pm
Location: Helen Wood Hall Auditorium (1w-304)
Lunch will be provided. Please bring your own beverage.

MedTech Institute: Bridging Regulatory Hurdles in the Growing Asia-Pacific Market

MedTech Institute is hosting a one-day workshop on Thursday, April 19th at the Bausch + Lomb Global Eye Health Center, focusing on regulatory compliance and strategies for bringing products to the Asia Pacific medical devices market. Registration is required. For more information, click here.

Additional RedCAP Training Sessions and Support Now Available

REDCap was designed to support clinical research and can be used to support operational processes and surveys. Since REDCap has been released, 107 projects were created and over 100 individuals are now active users. Several new training opportunities are available to current and potential REDCap users.

NEW REDCAP TRAINING DATES: Two additional training dates have been scheduled on April 18 and 26 from 10:00am-11:30am. To register for one of these training sessions please complete the registration form.

REDCAP DROP-IN SESSIONS: A weekly Q&A session where you can stop by and ask specific questions about REDCap. Drop-in sessions are scheduled on April 17th from 1-3pm in SRB 1.201(Topic: Open Q&A) and April 24th from 1-3pm in SRB 1.202 (Topic: Open Q&A).

April 6th, 2012

CTSI Seminar Series: CTSI Trainee Presentations

Ryan Koehler presenting " Design and Validation of the Arthroscopic Surgery Skill Evaluation Tool (ASSET)"
Doran Mix presenting "Vascular Engineering: Application of Engineering First Principles to Advance Vascular Surgery"
Andrew Walters presenting "A Novel High-Throughput Screening for Cardioprotective Molecules in Cardiac I/R Injury"
Matthew Brown presenting "Fracture healing in a murine model of obesity-associated type 2 diabetes mellitus"

Date: Tuesday, April 10th
Time: 12:15-1:15 pm
Location: Helen Wood Hall Auditorium (1w-304)
Lunch will be provided. Please bring your own beverage.

Successfully Navigating the Peer Review Process

Please join us for a panel presentation and discussion targeted to early stage investigators who are interested in learning more about navigating the peer review process. Presentations will be given by Dr. Karen Mustian, Dr. Marc Lande, and Dr. Lisa Opanashuk. Space is limited! Please RSVP to Katie Libby.

Date: Monday, April 9th
Time: 3:30-5:00 pm
Location: Saunders Research Building, Room 1.412

OHSP and RSRB Researcher Assessment Survey

The University of Rochester Office for Human Subject Protection (OHSP) and Research Subjects Review Board (RSRB) Office has prepared a survey for the research community. Your feedback is important for us to determine how we can better improve our service. Please take 5-10 minutes to complete the survey. Thank you for your time.

CTSI MD/PhD student in Translational Biomedical Science profiled for Student Life project

Aisha Siebert, a CTSI MD/PhD student working on her degree in Translational Biomedical Science, is one of three students profiled by the School of Medicine and Dentistry’s Student Life Project. The project profiles the lives of current SMD medical students. Aisha is currently in her first year of full-time graduate studies and her focus is on placenta and placental vasculature. She is currently doing a rotation in the lab of Richard Miller, PhD. Click here to watch the video.

UR Research Digital Respository

The River Campus Libraries provides the University community with UR Research, a University-based digital repository for the management, dissemination, and stewardship of digital materials. UR Research supports research in process, allows for collaboration, and provides individual “showcase” pages. Watch a short presentation about UR Research to learn more. Additional information is available here.

March 29th, 2012

CTSI Seminar Series: "Diversity in Human Subjects Research: Beyond the IRB"

Dr. Ann Dozier, Associate Professor in the Department of Public Health Sciences will present "Diversity in diversity recruitment Human Subjects Research: Beyond the IRB" on April 3rd. Through serving on the Community Engagement core of the CTSI, Dr. Dozier spearheads the initiative to improve recruitment and retention into clinical research focusing both on improving attitudes in the community about research participation and on improving recruitment and retention methods used by investigators.
Date: Tuesday, April 3rd
Time: 12:15-1:15 pm
Location: Helen Wood Hall Auditorium (1w-304)
Lunch will be provided. Please bring your own beverage. The University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry designates this live educational activity for a maximum of one AMA PRA Category 1 Credit. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Support Available For Those Conducting Community-Engaged Research

Are you conducting or planning to conduct community-engaged research that would benefit from support and validation from the URMC’s Community Advisory Council (CAC)? An increasing number of URMC investigators have sought assistance from the Center for Community Health to gain feedback and endorsement from the Council, which can benefit investigators during the grant application process and in all phases of a research project. Instructions and details about the process can be found on the Center’s website. Contact Gail Newton, Director of Community Health Partnerships at the Center for Community Health at 224-3057 or gail_newton@urmc.rochester.edu for more information.

Call for Posters: CTSA Clinical Research Management Workshop

The 5th Annual CTSA Clinical Research Management Workshop has been scheduled for June 3-5, 2012, at Yale University. The theme this year is “Learning by Doing: Applying Evidence-based Tools to Re-engineer Clinical Research Management.” Please review the call for poster abstracts, and meeting information. We seek ideas for this year’s Rochester poster submission, consistent with the goal of sharing our experience in improving a research-related process. If you are interested in developing a poster idea, please contact Eric Rubinstein by March 30th.

University of Rochester Technology Development Fund

The University of Rochester’s Technology Development Fund (TDF) is now accepting pre-proposal applications for its 5th round of award funding. The TDF promotes the transfer and translation of UR research into commercial applications through monetary awards ranging from $40,000 to $100,000. The application have been streamlined this year and Therapeutics/Vaccines proposals will be evaluated using an updated criteria. The deadline for pre-proposal submissions is April 1st. For more information contact Michael Rusnak at 784-2935 or click here.

March 22nd, 2012

CTSI Seminar Series: African American Women's Perceptions of Therapy and Providers

Dr. Natalie Cort will present "African American Women's Perceptions of Therapy and Providers"on March 27th. Dr. Cort is a therapy Post-Doctoral Fellow of Clinical Psychology in the Department of Psychiatry. Dr. Cort was also a 2009 CTSI pilot funding awardee and her research examined the feasibility and acceptability of group interpersonal psychotherapy for depressed women with histories of intimate partner violence, and the development of treatment guidelines for this population.

Date: Tuesday, March 27th
Time: 12:15-1:15 pm
Location: Helen Wood Hall Auditorium (1w-304)
Lunch will be provided. Please bring your own beverage. The University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry designates this live educational activity for a maximum of one AMA PRA Category 1 Credit. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Funding Available for Infrastructure in Patient-Centered Outcomes Research (PCOR)

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) has recently announced an initiative providing up to $1 million in funds, for up to 5 years, to develop and to provide Infrastructure in Patient-Centered Outcomes Research (PCOR). This initiative seeks to develop professional capacity to conduct PCOR consistent with the methodologic framework established and funded by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI). Interested investigators are asked to submit an abstract with a preliminary proposal to Harriet Kitzman of the Center for Research Implementation and Translation (CRIT) at by March 26. More information here.

Limited Submission Award Opportunities

Valerie and Frank Furth Fund: The Valerie and Frank Furth Fund provides support to promising scientists in Arts, Sciences, & Engineering or the Medical Center. One award in the amount of $10,000 will be made for the recruitment of new faculty by helping to support post-doctoral students, or for the purchase of equipment identified as a specific need for a new, young faculty member. Nominations are due by March 26th. More information here.

March 16th, 2012

3rd Annual Dr. David Satcher Community Health Improvement Awards & Grand Rounds

Dr. David Satcher, MD, PhD, 16th Surgeon General of the United States and Director of the Satcher Leadership Institute and satcher
Center of Excellence on Health Disparities, will give a special grand rounds presentation entitled "The World Health Organization Committee and Its Impact on An Approach for Health in America". Dr. Ann Dozier will also receive the 3rd Annual Dr. David Satcher Community Health Improvement Award for her exemplary work in reducing health inequities and addressing priority community health needs, particularly in the area of maternal and child health.

Date: Monday, March 19th
Time: 5:00-6:15 pm with reception to follow
Location: Class of 62 Auditorium

CTSI Seminar Series: Mentoring Diverse Students and Faculty

Eric Caine, MD, Professor and Chair of the Department of Psychiatry will present "Mentoring Diverse Students and Faculty" on March 20th. Dr. Caine was the recipient of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Leadership in Training Chair of the Year Award and the URMC Women in Science, Dentistry and Medicine Faculty Mentoring Award.

Date: Tuesday, March 20th
Time: 12:15-1:15 pm
Location: Helen Wood Hall Auditorium (1w-304)
Lunch will be provided. Please bring your own beverage. The University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry designates this live educational activity for a maximum of one AMA PRA Category 1 Credit. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Spring Mentoring Workshop

The Clinical and Translational Science Institute and The Office of Faculty Development and Diversity co-sponsor an annual workshop on Mentoring. This year’s speakers are Denham Ward, chair emeritus of the Department of Anesthesiology, and Deborah Fowell, associate professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology. Both are recipients of URMC Mentoring awards. The workshop will be on March 22nd, from 4:00-5:30pm with a reception to follow. For more information and to register, click here.

CTSA Intellectual Property Portal Partners with Flintbox to Promote Collaborations

Wellspring Worldwide Inc. and the CTSA Intellectual Property Portal , announce the launch of a formal partnership to promote collaboration among CTSA members, industry and other research institutions. The CTSA-IP portal is an NIH-funded initiative, that was designed by members of the University of Rochester CTSI, to enhance public-private partnerships across the CTSA consortium. Under the terms of the partnership, members of the CTSA-IP Initiative will be able to seamlessly post technologies, research projects, and collaboration opportunities to Flintbox. Read more here.

Limited Submission Award Opportunities

NINR Centers of Excellence for Symptom Science Research and Symptom Science: The National Institute of Nursing Research invites applications to establish Centers of Excellence for Symptom Science Research (P30) and Centers of Excellence for Symptom Science: Building Research Teams for the Future (P20). The deadline for internal submissions is March 22. Please read about the selection process here

March 9th, 2012

CTSI Seminar Series: Understanding Conflicts of Interest & Management Plans

The goal of conflict of interest management plans is to ensure that the personal interests of an individual do not unduly compliance influence their primary obligations to research, sponsors, the University, colleagues or students. Please join Gunta Liders, Director of the Office of Research Project Administration, Kelley O'Donoghue, MPH, CIP Executive Director of the Research Subjects Review Board and Robert G. Holloway, MD, MPH, Professor of Neurology and CTSI Clinical Research Ethics Consultant as they discuss conflicts of interest and the development of COI management plans.
Date: Tuesday, March 13th
Time: 12:15-1:15 pm
Location: Helen Wood Hall Auditorium (1w-304)
This session of the CTSI Seminar Series is co-sponsored by the Office for Human Subjects Protection. Lunch will be provided. Please bring your own beverage. The University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry designates this live educational activity for a maximum of one AMA PRA Category 1 Credit. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

PCORI Open Comment Period: Share your Thoughts

The Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) recently issued a first draft of its National Priorities and Research Agenda, which will be used to guide funding announcements for comparative clinical effectiveness research to ultimately help patients and caregivers make better-informed health decisions. PCORI has opened a public comment period to determine whether this document reflects the areas where additional evidence may be needed to support health care decision-making. Please participate by sending comments to Eric Rubinstein, Executive Director for Research Services, who will compile and complete the submission to PCORI. PCORI anticipates issuing it's first requests for research proposals in May 2012.

MedTech Institute-Advanced Topics in Good Clinical Practice

MedTech Institute is offering a one-day seminar entitled, “Advanced Topics in Good Clinical Practice 2012” on Tuesday, March 13 in Rochester, NY. Experts will provide a review of the latest FDA regulations and guidelines for applying Good Clinical Practice to the clinical research process. Participants must register by Friday, March 9. For more information and to register, click here.

Harold Amos Medical Faculty Development Program

The Harold Amos Medical Faculty Development Program is accepting applications for four-year postdoctoral awards to support the research and career development of physicians and dentists from historically disadvantaged backgrounds. The deadline for applications is March 15, 2012. For more information, click here.

2012 Summer Institutes Call for Abstracts

Abstracts are now being accepted for the 2012 Summer Institutes on Evidence-Based Quality Improvement, which will be held July 17-21, 2012 in San Antonio, Texas. There are three different opportunities to present projects: the Improvement Science Summit, the Educators’ EBP Workshop, and the Summer Institute on Evidence-Based Practice. All abstracts are due March 12, 2012. Read more here

Limited Submission Award Opportunities

CMMI Strong Start for Mothers and Newborns: The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) has recently announced an initiative providing up to $43.2 million in funds to test new payment and delivery models “that have the potential to improve perinatal outcomes for women enrolled in Medicaid who are at high-risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes. Preliminary proposal forms are due by Monday, March 12. More information here.

March 2nd, 2012

Special Public Health Grand Rounds Presentation: Beyond T3: Policy and Scientific Trends in Translational Medicine

Eduardo J. Simoes, MD, MSc, MPH, Chairman of the Health Management and Informatics Department, and Alumni simoes Distinguished Professor from the University of Missouri School of Medicine, will be the featured speaker at a special presentation of Public Health Grand Rounds today at 12:00. Dr. Simoes will give an overview of recent scientific and policy trends related to translational research in medicine, and the political forces that drive these changes. The presentation will conclude with a few “must have” approaches for academic research centers and an expectation of where trends might lead in the near future.
Date: Friday, March 2nd
Time: 12:00-1:00 pm
Location: Helen Wood Hall Auditorium (1w-304)
Light luncheon will be served

CTSI Seminar Series: "Tourette Syndrome: Diversity Issues"

Erika Augustine, MD, Senior Instructor in the Department of Neurology (Child Neurology) will present "Tourette Syndrome: Diversity Issues" on March 6th. Dr. Augustine's research involves studying the epidemiology of Tourette Syndrome and designing clinical trials for neurodegenerative and chronic neurological disorders of childhood and adolescence.
Date: Tuesday, March 6th
Time: 12:15-1:15 pm
Location: Helen Wood Hall Auditorium (1w-304)
Lunch will be provided. Please bring your own beverage. The University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry designates this live educational activity for a maximum of one AMA PRA Category 1 Credit. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Saunders Research Building Receives LEED Gold Certification

The Saunders Research Building – home of the Clinical and Translational Science Institute – has received Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Certification in recognition of a design that promotes sustainability and the health of its occupants. This is the first building at the University of Rochester to receive a LEED certification. Read the full press release here.

Dr. Ann Dozier Awarded the 3rd Annual Satcher Community Health Improvement Award

The CTSI congratulates Dr. Ann Dozier for receiving the 3rd Annual Dr. David Satcher Community Health Improvement Award. Dr. Dozier was recognized for her exemplary work in reducing health inequities and addressing priority community health needs particularly in the area of maternal and child health. Dr. Dozier will be presented with the award on March 19th during a special grand rounds session featuring Dr. David Satcher.

Limited Submission Award Opportunities

The James S. McDonnell Foundation is accepting applications for Complex Systems Scholar Awards. The awards support scholarship and research directed toward the development of theoretical and mathematic tools that can be applied to the study of complex, adaptive, nonlinear systems. Approximately eight grants will be awarded, each totaling $450,000 over six years. Interested faculty must submit applications to Foundation Relations for review by March 5, 2012. More information here.
The James S. McDonnell Foundation is accepting applications for Brain Cancer Research Grants in the amount of $450,000. The foundation is interested in supporting novel research that will generate new knowledge leading to increased rates of survival and improved functional recovery for individuals with brain cancer. Interested faculty must submit applications to Foundation Relations for review by March 5, 2012. More information here

February 24th, 2012

CTSI Seminar Series: "Improving Access to Care in Vulnerable Populations"

Kevin Fiscella, MD, MPH, Professor in the Department of Family Medicine will present "Improving Access to Care in access Vulnerable Populations" on Tuesday, February 28th. Dr. Fiscella's research interests focus on racial and socioeconomic disparities in health status, the effects of poverty on family function, and health services to underserved populations, particularly those at risk for cancer and heart disease.
Date: Tuesday, February 28th
Time: 12:15-1:15 pm
Location: Helen Wood Hall Auditorium (1w-304)
Lunch will be provided. Please bring your own beverage. The University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry designates this live educational activity for a maximum of one AMA PRA Category 1 Credit. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

REDCap Now Available!

REDCap, the Research Electronic Data Capture system, is a secure, web-based application for building and managing online surveys and databases. REDCap is designed exclusively to support data capture for research studies. The CTSI provides researchers at the University of Rochester with access to REDCap. Get started by clicking here to access the REDCap development server. Training will be offered March 6th, 21st and 29th. Click here to register.

February 17th, 2012

CTSI Seminar Series: RSRB Update

Please join membersof the Research Subjects Review Board Staff as they present news and regulation changes during the "Research Subjects Review Board update (RSRB) Update".
Date: Tuesday, February 21st
Time: 12:15-1:15 pm
Location: Helen Wood Hall Auditorium (1w-304)
Lunch will be provided. Please bring your own beverage. The University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry designates this live educational activity for a maximum of one AMA PRA Category 1 Credit. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

The URMC Center for Medical Countermeasures against Radiation Pilot Grants

The Center for Medical Countermeasures against Radiation announces the availability of pilot funding up to $75,000 in direct costs for one year. Meritorious projects may qualify for a second year of funding based upon progress, productivity, and interaction with existing Center programs. The deadline for initial submissions is 02/17/2012 . Click here to access the Center's website and more information.

February 10th, 2012

CTSI Seminar Series: Diversity in Science

Thomas Pearson, MD, MPH, PhD, Senior Associate Dean for Clinical Research and Director of the Clinical and tap Translational Science Institute will present "Diversity in Science", and will offer first-hand accounts of the impact that diversity has made on his own research projects and career.
Date: Tuesday, February 14th
Time: 12:15-1:15 pm
Location: Helen Wood Hall Auditorium (1w-304)
Lunch will be provided. Please bring your own beverage. The University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry designates this live educational activity for a maximum of one AMA PRA Category 1 Credit. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

UR Receives MatchMaestro Award from ResearchMatch

The University of Rochester has become the first recipient of the new MatchMaestro Award from ResearchMatch, a national study recruitment registry. The award recognizes excellence in matching volunteers and researchers. Last quarter, the University of Rochester enrolled 162 ResearchMatch volunteers into research studies. Read the official announcement here.

National Meeting: Translational Science 2012

Translational Science 2012 will take place April 18 – 20 in Washington, DC at the Omni Shoreham Hotel. This is a unique opportunity for attendees to collaborate with biomedical researchers and discuss advancements and best practices in translational science. The meeting will host plenary speakers, including NIH Director Francis Collins, MD, PhD, educational sessions, poster presentations, advocacy training, and published research. The sponsors of the meeting will continue to acknowledge the outstanding contributions of investigators and educators in the field through six awards: Distinguished Investigator Awards (3 categories), ACRT Distinguished Educator Award, AFMR Outstanding Investigator Award, Team Science Award. The recipient of each award will be recognized during the meeting and be given ten minutes to make a presentation. Deadline for submissions is February 10, 2012. Read more here.

December 30th, 2011

Blavatnik Awards for Young Scientists
Applications are now being accepted for the New York Academy of Sciences’ Blavatnik Awards for Young Scientists. The program recognizes young faculty and postdoctoral scientists in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut who have made novel accomplishments in the life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, and engineering. Each winner in the faculty category is endowed with $25,000 in unrestricted funds, and finalists receive $10,000 in unrestricted funds. Winners in the postdoctoral category are endowed with $15,000 in unrestricted funds, and finalists receive $5,000 in unrestricted funds. Each institution may nominate up to ten postdoctoral candidates. Nomination forms must be received by January 31, 2012. Read about the awards and the application process here.

December 27th, 2011

2012 Summer Institutes Call for Abstracts
Abstracts are now being accepted for the 2012 Summer Institutes on Evidence-Based Quality Improvement, which will be held July 17-21, 2012 in San Antonio, Texas. There are three different opportunities to present projects: the Improvement Science Summit, the Educators’ EBP Workshop, and the Summer Institute on Evidence-Based Practice. All abstracts are due March 12, 2012. Read more here.

November 22nd, 2011

NIH Early Independence Award
The NIH/National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research invites applications for the NIH Director’s Early Independence Award Program. The award supports exceptional investigators who wish to pursue independent research directly after completion of their terminal doctoral/research degree or clinical residency, thereby foregoing the traditional post-doctoral training period. This is a limited submission opportunity; i.e., the University is limited to two grant applications under this announcement. The internal application deadline is November 28, 2011. The Deans will choose a candidate by December 9, 2011. Please read about the internal selection process here. Read the complete program solicitation here.

November 3rd, 2011

Translational Science 2012 Call for Abstracts
Translational Science 2012 is now accepting abstracts that demonstrate collaboration across disciplines. Abstracts from a variety of categories will be accepted; however, submissions in methodology, best practices, and resources are of particular interest. Accepted abstracts will be published in Clinical and Translational Science (CTS), the official journal of the Society for Clinical and Translational Science. The deadline is December 16th. For more information, click here. The latest developments in biomedical research will be showcased at the Translational Science 2012 meeting in April. This is a unique opportunity to network with experts from across the spectrum of clinical and translational science. To register, click here.

October 20, 2011

Application information for NIH Loan Repayment Programs
The NIH is accepting applications for its extramural Loan Repayment Programs (LRPs) through November 15th. Opportunities are available in the following research areas: clinical, pediatric, health disparities, contraception and infertility, and clinical research for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. New LRP contracts are awarded for a two-year period and help repay up to $35,000 of qualified educational debt each year. An NIH grant or other NIH funding is not required to apply for or participate in the LRPs. Read about and apply for the LRP contracts here.

Keck research grant opportunity – Internal call for concepts
The Office of the Provost and the Senior Associate Deans for Research are seeking competitive research projects for submission to the W.M. Keck Foundation Science and Engineering Program or Medical Research Program. The maximum amount for research grants is $1 million. The Keck Foundation’s most recent grant to UR was a $1.5 million Medical Research grant in 2005 in the emerging field of astrocyte research. Concept papers for the current grant cycle should be written for a non-science professional audience, and are due by November 15th. Click the following links for details on funding preferences and application guidelines.

October 14, 2011

PCORI Pilot Project Internal Review Process Announced

The new Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute’s (PCORI’s) Pilot Project Grant Program has three goals:

assist PCORI with ongoing development and enhancement of national research priorities for patient-centered outcomes research;
support the collection of preliminary data that can be used to advance the field of patient-centered outcomes research; and
support the identification of methodologies that can be used to advance patient-centered outcomes research as well as identify gaps where methodological research needs further development.

To assist interested applicants in developing competitive proposals, the Medical Center has developed an internal review process coordinated by the Center for Research Implementation and Translation under Dr. Harriet Kitzman in the School of Nursing. The deadline for internal review is October 25, 2011. See Brad Berk’s announcement of the process by clicking here.

October 12, 2011

eRecord-Research Project Update #3: Faculty Advisory Committee formed
The eRecord-Research Project team has grown to about 70 members with the addition of a new Faculty Advisory Committee, chaired by Dr. Michael Keefer, Professor of Medicine in the Division of Infectious Disease. All faculty members are encouraged to join the committee, which will meet monthly through the end of the year. Read more about the team’s progress here.

Doris Duke Clinical Scientist Development Award
The Doris Duke Clinical Scientist Development Award provides grants to junior physician-scientists to facilitate their transition to independent clinical research careers. The foundation plans to award up to 12 grants in 2012 of $150,000 per year in direct costs and $12,000 per year in indirect costs over three years to junior faculty level physician-scientists conducting clinical research in any disease area. Awardees may concurrently hold an NIH career development award.
Each U.S. accredited, degree-granting research institution may nominate up to two candidates. The Medical School’s internal application deadline is October 21st. If approved for nomination, the Doris Duke Foundation’s application deadline is December 21st. Click here to learn more about the award and the application process.

October 6, 2011

Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute announces Pilot Projects Grants Program
The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) has announced a $26 million Pilot Projects Grants Program that will support approximately 40 awards. As part of its commitment to including patient and stakeholder perspectives throughout the research process, PCORI encourages applications that include collaboration between experienced researchers and individuals or organizations that represent patients, caregivers and the broader health care community. Letters of intent for grants are due November 1st; applications are due December 1st. Read about the program here.

eRecord-Research Project – MyChart Demonstration
The eRecord-Research Project will be holding a MyChart Demonstration on Friday, October 14th from 2:00-3:00PM in the Helen Wood Hall Auditorium. Jill DelVecchio, Application Analyst, Ambulatory from eRecord will be demonstrating the ins and outs of MyChart for those unfamiliar with how it works. The presentation is open to the URMC community.

MyChart is a secure, online health management tool that connects Strong/Highland Clinic patients to portions of their personalized health information including:

Review past appointments
Request an appointment
View your health summary, current list of medications and test results as released by your provider
View your child's immunizations and allergies
Receive messages when a new result is released to MyChart

MyChart is owned and designed by Epic, the company that designed our current eRecord medical record system.

The presentation will explain the various tools used in MyChart and show how it is used by a patient and what they can see when they log on.

September 22, 2011

Registration open for FDA Clinical Investigator Training Course
The third annual FDA Clinical Investigator Training Course is now open for registration. The course will be held November 7th, 8th, and 9th at the National Labor College in Silver Spring, Maryland. Attendees will gain a greater appreciation of the scientific, ethical, and regulatory issues relating to clinical trial data that may be submitted to regulatory bodies. Participants will also hear from the FDA’s nationally renowned experts on issues critical to successful clinical research. There are 60 slots available to interested CTSA investigators. Read about and register for the course here.

September 2, 2011

CTSI KL2 Mentored Career Development Program Releases New RFA
The University of Rochester Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) announces the release of a new request for applications (RFA) for the CTSI KL2 Mentored Career Development program, a two-year program of support for clinicians and scientists interested in learning more about and gaining practical experience in clinical and translational research. Letters of intent are due by Thursday, October 6, 2011 and application packets are due on Thursday, November 3, 2011. Awards begin on July 1, 2012. A PDF of the RFA is available here, and the RFA is also available on the CTSI website here. Questions about the KL2 program or the RFA may be directed to Katie Libby via email katherine_libby@urmc.rochester.edu or via phone at (585) 275-0656.

CTSI Laboratory Support Program Releases 2011 RFA
The Laboratory Support Program of the University of Rochester Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) makes funding available (up to $20,000) to support laboratory costs for clinical and translational research projects. A new request for applications (RFA) is available on the CTSI website here, and a pdf version is available here. Applications are due on Friday, October 14, 2011. Awards begin on July 1, 2012, but certain “shovel-ready” projects may be able to start on January 1st, 2012.Questions about the Laboratory Support Program or the RFA may be directed to Mark Plessinger via email at mark_plessinger@urmc.rochester.edu or via phone at (585) 275-6413.

NIH Bench-to-Bedside Program Announces New Funding Cycle
The NIH Bench-to-Bedside Program is soliciting proposals for its next funding cycle. Investigators at CTSAs, AIAMC (Alliance for Independent Academic Medical Centers) sites, and the NIH will be able to initiate applications jointly for Bench-to-Bedside research projects. Up to $135,000 per year for two years is available to support these intramural/extramural partnerships in clinical research. As in prior years, intramural investigators in all Institutes/Centers are eligible to serve as project leaders on proposals. For 2012 awards, a letter of intent must be submitted by September 28. Read about the program here or contact BenchtoBedside@mail.nih.gov.

August 26, 2011

Faculty Needed: Electronic Medical Record Support for Research Use
Michael Keefer, MD, is organizing a Faculty Advisory Committee for the eRecord-Research Project to identify the needs of the full range of relevant research being conducted at UR and make sure those needs are met. Please contact Mary Little (mary_little@urmc.rochester.edu) to join the committee. Read Dr. Keefer’s letter about the new committee here.

Saunders Research Building Town Hall Meeting
You are invited to the first Saunders Research Building Town Hall Meeting on Friday, September 16th from 3:00-5:00PM in the Saunders Research Building Atrium. Thomas A. Pearson, MD MPH PhD, and others will present a building User’s Guide and plans to make the Saunders Research Building an ever better place to work and learn. A reception will follow. All faculty, staff and students are invited. Please plan to attend and get to know your colleagues a little better.

Application information for Beeson Career Development Award
Application information for the Beeson Career Development Award is now available. The program aims to sustain and promote the work of clinically-trained individuals pursing research careers in aging. Please note that there are two separate RFAs for the K08 and K23 career tracks. There has been a decline in the number of K08 applications in recent years, but the funders are committed to supporting all aging-related research, and qualified candidates conducting basic aging-related research are encouraged to apply. The deadline for applications is October 27. Read about the RFAs here.

August 22, 2011

eRecord-Research Project Update #2: Progress on Recommendations
The eRecord-Research Project is making rapid progress – zeroing in on issues that are important to researchers, presenting seminars to educate project team members, and working with Medical Center leadership to build support. Read more about the team’s progress here.

August 19, 2011

AFMSA solicits white papers for research
The Air Force Medical Support Agency (AFMSA) Modernization Directorate is soliciting white papers for research, due August 31st. This is a five-year, two-step, open-ended Broad Agency Announcement (BAA). One topic area that may be of particular interest is Functional Medicine Research; the modernization effort is interested in the science, methodologies, and comparative effectiveness research within the field of functional medicine, especially common, complex conditions, typically treated in the primary care setting. The estimated value of each award is $100K to $1M annually. Read more at FedBizOpps and Grants.gov.

August 11, 2011

Calling all inventors!
Pre-proposals for the UR Technology Development fund are due September 1st. The program promotes the transfer and translation of UR research into commercial applications through monetary awards of $40K to $100K. Any faculty member, post doctoral fellow, graduate student, or other employee of the University who has submitted an Invention Disclosure to the Office of Technology Transfer is eligible to apply. A Screening Committee will choose 1-2 projects that clearly outline the translation of scientific and engineering research into commercial opportunities. Awards will be announced in mid-December 2011. Read about the program here.

June 30, 2011

Building e-Infrastructure for Research
Are you looking for an opportunity to join over 50 of your colleagues to build an ever-better infrastructure for using electronic health information to support biomedical research? The eRecord-Research Project aims to do just that.

Dr. Gary Chadwick appointed to National Advisory Committee
Gary L. Chadwick, Pharm.D, M.P.H., Associate Provost and Director of the University’s Office for Human Subject Protection, has been named to the Department of Health and Human Services Secretary’s Advisory Committee on Human Research Protection.

The CTSI Welcomes Judy Principe
The CTSI is pleased to announce the appointment of Judy Principe as Administrative Assistant for the CTSI. Ms. Principe comes to URMC with over 25 years of Executive Assistant experience, many of which were spent at Eastman Kodak. Please join us in welcoming Judy to the CTSI team!

NIH Funding Acknowledgement ** Important ** All publications resulting from the utilization of CTSI resources are required to credit the CTSI grant by including the NIH FUNDING ACKNOWLEDGEMENT and must comply with the NIH Public Access Policy.