CCTS: Novel Translational & Collaborative Studies

Robin Robin Mermelstein, Ph.D.

Director

The main objectives of the division of Novel Translational and Collaborative studies in CCTS are

1. To Develop Novel Translational and Collaborative Methodologies such as :

  • a) Methods for more objective and quantifiable biomarkers or     phenotyping
  • b) Determining cost effectiveness of prevention and treatment     strategies
  • c) Research into clinical trial designs
  • d) Clinical informatics for longitudinal studies
  • e) Home based research devices and methods
  • f) Predictive toxicology in human populations
  • g) Ethics research specific to populations rather than specific trials

2. To facilitate and sustain inter-disciplinary and trans-disciplinary communities of researchers



Pilot Grants for Translational and Collaborative Studies

 The proposals should be multidisciplinary in approach, and in general, be of sufficient scope to qualify as a stand-alone research effort, and should be well integrated into the activities of the CCTS.

1. Allow clinical and translational trainees or researchers to generate preliminary data for
    submission of a research grant application.
2. Improve clinical design, biostatistics, clinical research ethics, informatics, or regulatory     pathways.
3. Develop new technologies.

In addition to the above, Dr. Mermelstein will also be in charge of the CCTS Seminars and Workshops.

  • CCTS Seminars Invited speakers, spanning the participating centers, will address a related topic in any area of clinical and translational research, followed by a discussion.

  • CCTS Distinguished Lecture Series Clinical and translational researchers of international fame who have made seminal contributions will be invited on a regular basis.

  • CCTS Workshops The workshops will cover a variety of areas that will help clinical and translational researchers to achieve their goals, including

  • - Professional Communication: How to write abstracts, prepare posters, and presentations

  • - Management of Clinical Studies: Leadership skills, and how to manage interdisciplinary    teams, develop budgets, etc.

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  • - Conducting Community-Based Research: Recognizing the hurdles in community research    and designing ways to overcome them.

  • - Data Management: Data management issues and tools surrounding the collection of a    variety of data types (in cooperation with Bioinformatics Core)

  • - Works In Progress: Opportunity for trainees to present and critique research projects    (primarily for MS CTS students)