Several of our former CCTS trainees, awardees, and panel participants have made the news recently. We applaud their accomplishments, highlighted here to inspire the next generation of clinical and translational scientists, as well as the CCTS experts who supported these superstars along the way (many of whom have recently made the news as well!)

In case you missed it, the Edge for Scholars blog, which offers "candid commentary, gritty truths to sharpen your academic edge," recently highlighted the impact this immersive learning opportunity had on the career of CCTS KL2 Scholar Dr. Courtney Peterson. The post also mentions SEQUIN, a CCTS-led project that is measuring the effectiveness of mini-sabbaticals, and provides an overview of the 30+ mini-sabbatical opportunities currently available.

CCTS is cosponsoring this new event, which will provide an introduction to the many large cohort studies being led by UAB investigators, such as REGARDS, CNICS, CARDIA, WIHS and more. If you want to learn how to access data/specimens for research, do not miss this symposium, which will take place at the Edge for Chaos on January 4, 2019. Space is limited, register by Saturday, December 15.

Are you a junior faculty member with a passion for translational research? Do you want to help reduce the burden of health disparities and diseases that disproportionately affect the underserved minority and special populations in the AL, LA, and MS region? If so, consider applying to become our next CCTS KL2 scholar. Applicants must commit to a minimum of 75% effort for two years, receiving expert mentorship, research experience, and salary, training, and travel support. Open to eligible CCTS Partner Network institutions. Submit a Pre-Application by Friday, December 7, 2018.

Our CCTS team represented at the Fall CTSA Program meeting held in Arlington, VA, October 22-23, 2018. From leading discussion on ways to further tap administrative talent to showcasing our innovation and impact at the poster session, CCTS was fully engaged and engaging throughout the two-day meeting.

Become a translational thinker and increase your team science skills with our popular six-month Clinical and Translational Science Training Program (CTSTP)! This competitive, career-boosting opportunity is open to grad students, postdocs, or faculty from across the CCTS Partner Network. Apply by 5:00pm, Monday, November 12, 2018.

The Comprehensive Arthritis, Musculoskeletal, Bone, and Autoimmunity Center (CAMBAC) will hold its 5th annual research day on Friday, December 7, 8am-4pm, at UAB's National Alumni House. The theme is "Regenerative Medicine in Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Disease." CCTS will cosponsor and exhibit. The event is free, but registration is required.

The 5th Annual Community Engagement Institute (CEI) took place on Friday, October 12, drawing more than 150 participants from across the Deep South as well as a robust virtual audience comprising three CCTS Partner institutions who watched livestreamed sessions and interacted via social media. The full-day symposium explored ways to reach across sectoral divides to work synergistically on our region’s greatest health challenges.

A steady stream of early-stage investigators visited the SCOR Open House on Tuesday, October 30. Cohosted by the CCTS, the event showcased several new career development programs as well as dedicated space on the 7th floor of UAB’s Faculty Office Towers. Both are aimed at providing the infrastructure and support needed to develop a dynamic community of scholars in outcomes research.

The nationally accredited Jefferson County Department of Health (JCDH) collaborates with the CCTS One Great Community Council on areas of shared concern, such as reducing health disparities associated with race, ethnicity, and economics and improving access, availability, and use of health care. Building on its history of community health assessments, JCDH is conducting a new survey called “Your Opinion Matters! Community Themes and Strengths.” The information will be used to help identify the key issues for improving health and quality of life in Jefferson County. Available in Spanish, the survey is open until December 1, 2018.