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January 2026
View and register for upcoming events presented by the Clinical and Translational Science Collaborative of Northern Ohio and various CTSC partners and colleagues!
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| | Thursday, January 15, 2026 | 12:00 - 1:00PM | Virtual via Zoom | | |
'Environmental Health'
We are excited to welcome Bridget Hegarty, PhD, 2023 CTSC Annual Pilot Awardee and Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Case School of Engineering, as our guest for January’s Science Cafe. Dr. Hegarty will be exploring key environmental influences on health from the role of biodiversity in immune development to the health impacts of climate change.
| Thursday, February 12, 2026 | 12:00 - 1:00PM | Virtual via Zoom | | |
'Advancing Multiple Sclerosis Research Through Pragmatic and Multi-Site Clinical Trials'
We are pleased to feature CTSC KL2 Scholar Alumni, Daniel Ontaneda, MD, PhD and Marisa McGinley, DO, from Cleveland Clinic's Lerner College of Medicine, as our speakers for February’s Science Cafe. Drs. Ontaneda and McGinley will discuss the latest advancements in telehealth and modern treatment approaches for Multiple Sclerosis (MS), sharing their clinical expertise and insights into improving care for MS patients.
| | Thursday, March 12, 2026 | 12:00 - 1:00PM | Virtual via Zoom | | |
'Real World Data'
David Kaelber, MD, PhD, CTSC Health Informatics co-lead and Chief Health Informatics Officer and Vice President of Health Informatics and Patient Engagement Technologies, as well as Professor of Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, and Population and Quantitative Health Sciences at Case Western Reserve University, is our guest for March’s Science Cafe. Dr. Kaelber will share his expertise on real world data, discussing its applications and impact on healthcare research, patient outcomes, and informatics innovation.
| | Thursday January 29, 2026 | 12:00 - 1:00PM | Virtual via Zoom | | |
'Network Dynamics of Clinical Behavior Change'
Damon Centola, PhD, is the Elihu Katz Professor of Communication, Sociology, and Engineering at the University of Pennsylvania. His research explores the network dynamics that drive clinical behavior change, with a focus on how information and behaviors spread within professional communities. Dr. Centola will discuss the critical role of professional networks in shaping clinical and patient practices, and how understanding complex contagion can help identify the most influential actors for initiating behavior change campaigns. He will also highlight the importance of leveraging networks in continuing medical education and professional learning to foster effective and lasting change in healthcare.
CME is available for all participants.
| | Every Thursday | 11:00AM - 12:00PM | Virtual via Zoom | | |
Scientific Writing Open Office Hours
Open Office Hours at the CTSC of Northern Ohio provide a welcoming, conversational space for anyone affiliated with CTSC or its partner institutions to discuss their writing goals and get expert guidance. Topics include writing letters of support, creating biosketches, budget justification, citation management, and manuscript development. Whether you have questions about the editorial process or need assistance with manuscripts, proposals, or other research writing, these sessions are designed to help you succeed. Roberto Alers-Velazquez, Ph.D., CTSC Senior Scientific Editor, brings extensive experience in NIH grant development, medical writing, and scientific editing for translational research and clinical trials, offering tailored support to help physician-scientists communicate their clinical impact with clarity and precision. No registration required.
| | Monday, January 12, 2026 | 12:00 - 1:00PM | Virtual via Zoom | | |
CTSC Rural Health 4x4
Showcase your rural health work at the upcoming CTSC Rural Health 4x4, a dynamic virtual event designed to highlight innovative research, new ideas, and ongoing projects that advance rural health. Presenters will have just 4 slides and 4 minutes to share impactful findings or community initiatives, with topics ranging from AI applications and telehealth innovations to workforce solutions and community-engaged strategies. This fast-paced session encourages collaboration across CTSC partner institutions and provides a unique opportunity to connect with fellow researchers. Participants will also be eligible to apply for the CTSC Collaboration Workshop, beginning in April 2026, which supports team-based projects with funding, mentorship, and skill-building sessions.
| | Wednesday, January 21, 2026 | 11:00AM - 12:00PM | Virtual via Zoom | | |
REDCap Advanced User Webinar
The REDCap Advanced Users Webinar is designed for experienced users seeking to maximize the platform’s capabilities in clinical and translational research. Join Sheree Hemphill, MS, CTSC REDCap specialist and Director, Research Database Informatics at CWRU, as she covers advanced features such as automated survey distribution, data integration, complex branching logic, and project management tools. Attendees will learn practical strategies for optimizing workflows, enhancing data quality, and streamlining multi-site collaborations. Whether you’re managing large studies or aiming to leverage REDCap’s full potential, this webinar will provide valuable insights and expert tips to elevate your research projects.
More information about the REDCap Webinar
| | Wednesday, January 21, 2026 | 12:00 - 1:00PM | Virtual via Zoom | |
Community Engaged Studio Convening Webinar
Join us for the Community Engaged (CE) Studio Convening, hosted by the CTSC. This interactive webinar is an opportunity to hear firsthand from investigators and community partners who have participated in CE Studios, sharing their experiences and insights. The event welcomes previous CE Studio investigators, facilitators, community experts, researchers interested in learning more about CE Studios, and community members curious about getting involved. Attendees will also receive brief updates on research topics, including hearing health interventions, caregivers of autism, and Parkinson’s disease. Don’t miss this chance to connect, learn, and explore how research and community voices drive change.
Discover more about the CE Studio Convening Webinar
| | Tuesday, February 3, 2026 | 9:30AM - 11:00AM | Virtual via Zoom | | |
CTSC Town Hall:
Epic Tools for Clinical Research
Join us for the CTSC Clinical Research Town Hall, an engaging event designed for clinical research professionals seeking to enhance participant recruitment and trial coordination using Epic’s latest research tools. Attendees will learn how to automate workflows, optimize recruitment strategies, and leverage data insights to elevate their studies. CTSC experts will be on hand to showcase Epic features that simplify study operations and answer your questions. Whether you are an investigator, coordinator, nurse, or recruitment specialist, this town hall offers practical solutions and innovative approaches to help you improve research outcomes and streamline your clinical research processes.
More information on the CTSC Town Hall
| | Tuesday, February 17, 2026 | 12:00 - 1:00PM | Virtual via Zoom | |
CTSC Community Engaged Research Mentoring Program Speaker
The CTSC Community Engaged Research (CER) Module is pleased to welcome Dr. Latrice Rollins of Morehouse School of Medicine as a featured speaker for the CER Mentoring Program. Dr. Rollins will share insights from her nationally recognized work in community-based participatory research, engagement, and systems change.
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CTSC Mock Study Section
This half-day, interactive session will be held in early May to offer investigators a unique, behind-the-scenes look at the grant peer review process. Participants will observe and take part in a simulated study section, gaining valuable insight into how reviewers evaluate significance, innovation, approach, and overall impact. Discover common strengths and weaknesses that influence scoring and enhance your understanding of what makes a successful grant application, learn more on our website.
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Call for Applications
We are now accepting applications for investigators interested in having a grant application discussed in a supportive, educational mock review setting. Participants will receive structured feedback and practical guidance to strengthen future submissions and enhance their grantsmanship.
LOI Deadline: April 2, 2026
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Call for Reviewers
Limited spots are available for investigators to serve as reviewers during the session. Reviewers will gain hands-on experience in the peer review process, contribute to a collaborative learning environment, and receive compensation for their participation.
Closed when positions are filled.
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Wednesday, May 20, 2026 | 8:30AM - 6:00PM | In-Person
Tinkham Veale University Center, CWRU
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Join us for the CTSC Insight Summit, a full-day event dedicated to exploring how artificial intelligence is transforming health outcomes, with a special focus on chronic disease across Northern Ohio. Hosted by the Clinical and Translational Science Collaborative (CTSC), this summit brings together researchers, clinicians, technologists, policymakers, and community leaders to foster collaboration and share practical insights.
Highlights include a keynote address, spotlight talks from academic innovators, a poster session, and an engaging point–counterpoint debate on the potential for AI-driven approaches to improve health outcomes in rural communities. The event will conclude with a reception, offering opportunities to connect, continue the conversation, and build new partnerships.
Don’t miss this chance to discover how cutting-edge research is being translated into real-world impact.
Save the date by adding this event to your calendar now!
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Tinkham Veale University Center, CWRU,11038 Bellflower Rd, Cleveland, OH 44106
View on map
| | Wednesday, February 25, 2026 | 12:00 - 1:00PM | Virtual via Zoom | | |
Cardi-OH Webinar
'From Prescription to Practice: Tackling Adherence Challenges in Clinical Care'
Cardi OH presents keynote speaker M. Robin DiMatteo, PhD, Distinguished Professor of Psychology at the University of California, Riverside. This webinar will explore the key components of successful treatment adherence, examine common barriers faced by patients, and offer practical strategies for improving adherence through enhanced communication and clinical practices. Clinicians will gain valuable insights to support better patient outcomes.
Participants can earn 1.0 CME credit at no cost.
More information on the Cardi-OH webinar
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CTSC Partner Event
Wednesday, March 18, 2026 | 9:30AM - 3:00PM | Tinkham Veale University Center, CWRU
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Hepatitis C Intervention Symposium
If you work with people at risk of or living with hepatitis C (HCV) or HIV—whether in primary care, substance-use services, public health, pharmacy, or harm-reduction settings—don’t miss the INHSU Hepatitis C Intervention Symposium, hosted by The International Network on Health and Hepatitis in Substance Users. The symposium will offer four key opportunities: learning practical, evidence-based strategies for expanding HCV/HIV services, exploring interventions such as point-of-care and dried-blood-spot testing, engaging with peer support and care navigation models, and discovering medical-record auditing as part of effective care delivery. Attendees will benefit from real-world examples of successful programs, connect with experts and colleagues across the state, and leave with actionable plans to improve HCV/HIV services in their own organizations. Registration is free but places are limited—register early to secure your spot and help advance hepatitis C care and elimination in the Cleveland area.
For more information on the Hepatitis C Intervention Symposium
| | Click on the images below to be directed to more information: | | Click on the images below to be directed to more information from the CTSC and our colleagues: | | | |
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:
- Discounted registration to the annual Translational Science meeting
- Opportunities to participate in Special Interest Groups and Committees
- Access to the ACTS community platform website, Tradewing
- And more!
To join, community members can create an account on the ACTS website and join under Case Western Reserve University.
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