CCTS enjoyed a recent visit with Dr. Ines Alamo, research navigator for clinical and translational investigation and scholarship at Tulane University. Dr. Alamo flew up to Birmingham to spend the day meeting with CCTS staff and Executive Council leaders and touring the CCTS Hub facilities.

The intensive learning experience kicked off with the CCTS Training Academy team, who provided an overview of the many programs available for young investigators as well as those further along in their career. She also met with KL2 scholars and other trainees.

Dr. Alamo then met with Research Commons staff, who described the myriad initiatives CCTS offers to “sharpen science,” including project panels, clinics, pilots, mini-sabbaticals, and collaborative opportunities. Of special interest was CCTS efforts to help investigators meet the NIH rigor, reproducibility, and transparency requirements that took effect in Jan. 2016.

A tour of the CCTS’ clinical research unit was next, followed by meetings with our Clinical Research Support Program, CCTS Special Populations leadership, and the CCTS Director. Capping the immersion into all things CCTS was our Open House, which featured a wide array of materials, refreshments, and opportunities to network with the broader UAB research community.

Dr. Alamo found the day worthwhile, especially for someone in her role. “The resources and support system CCTS provides for students, faculty, & clinical researchers are effective and useful. Attending the CCTS Open House was a wonderful and insightful experience. We look forward to strengthening the collaborative efforts between CCTS and our students, faculty, & researchers at Tulane University.”

We invite research navigators from across the Partner Network to make a date to follow in Dr. Alamos’ footsteps and spend a day exploring CCTS.