August 2025, Issue 1 | CTSC Newsletter

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Dear colleagues,

As we return from summer and settle into a new academic season, I want to personally welcome you back and share an exciting opportunity that reflects the very heart of our mission, bringing people together across disciplines, institutions, and communities to solve pressing health challenges.

This September, we invite you to join us for 'Advancing Frontiers in the Science of Reproduction,' a free, day-long symposium focused on advancing reproductive health through collaborative, translational research. Together, we’ll identify opportunities for community-based participatory research in reproductive sciences, discuss how clinical-translational science can strengthen trust between our communities and research institutions to close knowledge gaps, and highlight some of the most pressing reproductive science questions being addressed at CTSC institutions—along with their important clinical implications.

We are also pleased to share that our T32 Predoctoral and Postdoctoral training grants have both been awarded and are now recruiting. If you or someone you know is eligible and interested in pursuing advanced training, we encourage you to apply. Details are provided below.

Thank you for being part of our growing research community, I look forward to a season of shared progress and discovery!

Meet the CTSC Team |

Roberto Alers-Velazquez, PhD

Senior Scientific Editor,

Clinical and Translational

Science Collaborative of Northern Ohio

Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Roberto Alers-Velazquez has built a career at the intersection of science, communication, and leadership. He earned his PhD in Molecular Biology and Virology from the University of Toledo, studying how viruses form specialized replication compartments called viral factories, and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Dartmouth College investigating how neonatal herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection impacts early brain development and long-term neurological outcomes.

As Scientific Editor at the CTSC, Roberto values clarity and precision in scientific communication. He has supported clinical trial documentation, protocol development, literature reviews, and safety summaries in both academic and industry settings. Whether analyzing complex data or refining team messages, he is passionate about translating science into language that drives understanding and impact.

Outside of work, Roberto lives in Canton, Ohio, with his wife and two dogs. He enjoys building custom PCs, playing guitar, and listening to music with a musician’s ear.

Fun Fact: Roberto can often imagine a song’s chord progression as it plays—almost as if he’s watching the guitarist’s fingers—and he’s almost always right.

Season 2, now streaming!

'From Research to Real Life' Podcast

Episode 1 | Career Journeys & Evolution of Research

Season 2 kicks off with host Lora Parent, Director of Strategic Partnerships & Research Development for the CTSC, in conversation with Dr. Jennifer Reneker (Associate Director, Clinical and Translational Research Institute & Professor at NEOMED) and Dr. Rachel Bracken (Associate Professor of Family and Community Medicine, NEOMED). Together, they discuss how research careers begin, grow, and adapt—sharing personal stories, lessons learned, and practical advice for aspiring and established researchers alike. Discover how mentorship, interdisciplinary collaboration, and new technologies are shaping the future of research.

Subscribe and stream episode 1 of season 2 on our website or on any of the following platforms:

Watch and subscribe to the video podcast on YouTube!

NEW! CTSC T32 Training Grants: Now Accepting Applications

T32 Predoctoral Training Program

The CTSC T32 Predoctoral Training Program, led by Scott Williams, PhD and Erika Trapl, PhD, is seeking nominations for its upcoming cohort of research trainees. The program supports PhD, MD-PhD, and DNP-PhD students with full stipend, tuition, travel funds, and access to CTSC resources, offering cross-disciplinary and community-engaged research experience.

Nominations Due: August 8, 2025

Learn more about the CTSC Predoctoral T32 Training Program

T32 Postdoctoral Training Program

The CTSC T32 Postdoctoral Clinical and Translational Science Training Program, led by Jim Spilsbury, PhD, is now accepting applications for two positions starting in early 2026. This 2-year, NIH-funded program offers personalized research training, professional development, and an NIH-approved stipend.

Applications Due: October 15, 2025

Learn more about the CTSC Postdoc T32 Training Program

NIH Issues New Guidance on Fairness and Originality in Research Applications

The NIH has announced new policies to ensure fairness and originality in research applications, especially regarding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools. Starting September 25, 2025, Principal Investigators are limited to six applications per year (excluding T-series and R13 grants). Applications substantially developed by AI will not be considered original and may face enforcement actions. Researchers should use AI responsibly and ensure all submissions reflect their own original ideas.

Read the full NIH notice for details on the new policy

Other Funding Opportunities:

NIH Director’s Transformative Research Awards – Supports bold, groundbreaking, and exceptionally innovative research projects with the potential to create new scientific paradigms, transform clinical approaches, or develop transformative technologies.
Due date: September 3, 2025 RFA-RM-25-003

Explore More NCATS and CTSC Related Funding Opportunities

CTSC Welcomes Students to 2025 Clinical Research Summer Observation Program

In June, the CTSC welcomed 18 undergraduate and high school students to the 2025 Clinical Research Summer Observation Program—a weeklong introduction to clinical research careers. Participants shadowed mentors and attended sessions led by experts from University Hospitals, CWRU, the Cleveland Clinic, the VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System, and the University of Toledo. Thank you to everyone who helped inspire the next generation of clinical researchers!

Read the full article about the 2025 Research Summer Observation Program

Translational Science Week 2025 -

Celebrating 18 Years of the CTSC!

September 15th - 19th marks the CTSC’s 18th birthday, and we’re celebrating with a full slate of partner events and networking opportunities. Our theme this year is "Safety in Clinical Research". Join us for engaging webinars, collaborative partner events, networking sessions, and a special ice cream celebration. Don’t miss this chance to connect, learn, and celebrate the progress of translational science in our community!

Advancing Frontiers in the Science of Reproduction: A Multidisciplinary Symposium

Join the CTSC of Northern Ohio for "Advancing Frontiers in the Science of Reproduction" on September 25, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM at the MidTown Collaboration Center, Cleveland. This free symposium includes academic sessions, a community research panel, a keynote by Dr. Erica E. Marsh (University of Michigan), and a book reading. Lunch, parking, and a copy of the book "Inferior" by Angela Saini for the first 100 registrants are included.

Learn More & Register for 'Advancing Frontiers in the Science of Reproduction'

Mentoring Program for Community Engaged Researchers

Are you looking to grow your skills in community-engaged research? The CTSC Mentoring Program is now accepting applications! This unique program connects early-stage investigators and those new to community-engaged research with experienced mentors, focusing on building meaningful partnerships with community members and organizations.

Application Deadline: September 5, 2025

For more information, see the CER Mentoring Program flyer

Eligibility:

Mentees

Investigators or faculty at CTSC-affiliated institutions
Committed to participating and growing as a community engaged researcher
Receive individual and group mentorship, career development resources, and join a supportive community of practice

Mentors

Faculty with experience in community engaged, participatory, or action research
Willing to commit 1–2 hours/month and support mentee growth
Access to CTSA mentoring resources and optional mentorship coaching

Dr. Yasir Tarabichi Recognized as a Top Healthcare IT Influencer

Congratulations to Dr. Yasir Tarabichi of MetroHealth, a valued member of the CTSC Informatics Module, for being named one of HealthTech’s “30 Healthcare IT Influencers Worth a Follow in 2025.” Dr. Tarabichi is recognized for his leadership in clinical informatics and his commitment to advancing AI and data-driven healthcare innovation. In addition, Dr. Tarabichi helped plan the inaugural Epic Cosmos Datathon and is currently helping develop this year’s event, scheduled for October 18, 2025.

Read the full list of 30 Healthcare IT Influencers Worth a Follow in 2025

CTSC Partner Event

Tuesday, August 12, 2025 | 11:00AM - 12:00PM | Virtual Via Zoom

UH CRC Resident & Fellow Research Training

Join us for a 1-hour virtual session designed for UH residents and fellows to help you navigate the research process. Learn about the IRB submission process, required training, Clinical Research Center operations, and valuable resources from UH CRC and CWRU CTSC—including biostatistical support, TriNetX, REDCap, and more. Choose from two dates (8/12 or 8/27) and get the tools you need to launch your research successfully.

CTSC Event

Tuesday, August 12, 2025 | 11:00AM - 12:00PM | Virtual Via Zoom

CTSC Spotlight Series:

Speed, Strategy, & Scientific Visibility

Join Sue Marasco, PhD, and Roberto Alers-Velasquez, PhD, for an overview on maximizing research impact through short-format publications and CTSC funding vouchers. Learn how to leverage collaboration, accelerate timelines, and identify the right journal and article type to turn your data into high-visibility outputs in just a few months. We’ll share best practices, publication tips, and real-world examples to help you publish smarter and faster.

CTSC Event

Thursday, August 14, 2025 | 12:00PM - 1:00PM | Virtual Via Zoom

CTSC Science Cafe: Neuroinflammation

We’re excited to welcome Dr. Zahoor Shah, Professor and Associate Dean for Graduate Education & Research at The University of Toledo College of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, as August's CTSC Science Cafe speaker. Dr. Shah will share his expertise on neuroinflammation, offering valuable insights into the mechanisms and impact of inflammation in the nervous system.

Save The Date!

Saturday, October 18, 2025 | 8:00AM - 5:00PM | MCC

Second Annual Epic Cosmos Datathon

Join the CTSC of Northern Ohio for the second multi-institutional Epic Cosmos Datathon, held at the MidTown Collaborative Center. Over the course of the day, teams will harness their skills, tackle challenges, and transform concepts into tangible results. The event culminates in a dynamic presentation session, where each group shares their findings and insights with everyone.

Explore CTSC Informatics Events & Resources

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ACTS Membership for Community Members

CTSC community partners are eligible to become members of the Association for Clinical and Translational Science (ACTS). Community members are able to access ACTS' member benefits, including: