This month, the 2024 scientific report, Discovery at UT Southwestern will be released. This first edition showcases the impactful work emerging from UT Southwestern across the spectrum of basic, translational, and clinical research.

Discovery at UT Southwestern can serve as a valuable recruitment tool that celebrates the successes of our research teams. The 20-page publication will be distributed by mail to UT Southwestern faculty and various offices across our campus. If you would like to request additional copies, email the Office of the Provost and include the number of copies you wish to receive and a mail code.

UT Southwestern researchers can now seek budget negotiation support from the Clinical Research Budget Negotiation Working Group to accelerate the launch of their studies. A collaborative effort among the Office of Clinical Research (OCR), the Sponsored Programs Administration, and the Clinical and Translational Science Award Office at UT Southwestern, the working group is composed of seasoned clinical research professionals with significant experience in negotiating research budgets and managing project finances. Their overarching goal is to advise research teams on how to build and negotiate clinical research budgets more quickly.

Details on the working group, how to request assistance, the triage and prioritization process, and meeting process are explained in this document.

For questions, contact Aaron Brunson, Program Manager in the OCR, at frank.brunson@utsouthwestern.edu.

The Programs for Inclusion and Diversity Among Individuals Engaged in Health-Related Research (PRIDE) is accepting applications for two-year fellowships to support research centered on heart, lung, blood, or sleep disorders. The program aims to mentor early-career faculty and transitioning postdoctoral fellows from diverse backgrounds, including those underrepresented in biomedical research. The University of Houston Obesity Health Disparities (OHD) Program provides a two-year program of training in interdisciplinary research skills and the mentoring needed to develop successful research careers in obesity-related health disparities.

Applications for Cohort 11 are due March 31. Information about the application process can be found at the website of the PRIDE Coordination Center.

If you have specific questions about OHD PRIDE, please consult the OHD PRIDE website or contact the study office at ohdpride@uh.edu.

Inaugural UT System AI Symposium in Health Care

Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionize biomedical research, education, and clinical care. Amid this exciting landscape, there has been a surge in news reports raising concerns that AI is also prone to inflated expectations, errors, and biases. The UT System AI Symposium in Health Care aims to bridge the gap between cutting-edge methodology and current day applications. By bringing together researchers, clinicians, educators, and students, we hope to create a collaborative space to:

1. Explore current AI activities: Learn about the latest AI initiatives and breakthroughs in health care.

2. Forge new collaborations: Connect with UT System researchers, practitioners, and innovators.

3. Uncover diverse AI possibilities: Delve into the multifaceted applications of AI in health care.

Join us May 30–31 for an enlightening event where knowledge converges, ideas flourish, and the future of AI-enhanced health care takes shape. Registration details and schedule to follow.

Dean's Scholars in Clinical Research Nomination Deadline

The UT Southwestern Dean’s Scholar in Clinical Research program provides promising early career faculty with financial resources, career guidance, research training, and protected research time to facilitate their development as successful clinical physician scientists. The goal is to provide transitional support to provide these faculty with an opportunity to launch their independent research careers. 

Department chairs may begin to nominate Dean Scholar candidates now for our next cycle of review, which closes May 17. Full details are available online.

Clinical and Translational Science Forum *

The Clinical & Translational Science Forum provides an open, community-based opportunity for early-career clinical investigators to improve their skills in research design and analysis as well as the presentation of research plans and data. Sessions are scheduled for the following Thursdays at 12:15 p.m.:

• March 21 with Haania Kakwan. Register to attend.
• April 4 with Mir Hairgrove. Register to attend.
• April 11 with Madysen Hunter. Register to attend.

Didactic Session: Building Your Research Team for Success*

Please join us for the Clinical Researcher Catalyst Program Didactic Session featuring Anand Rohatgi, M.D.

• March 26 at noon. Register to attend.

TeamMAPPS: Introduction to Team Science*

TeamMAPPS is a behavioral skills training program specifically developed to increase collaboration and effectiveness in scientific teams. Wednesdays at noon–1 p.m.

• April 3: Psychological Safety. Register to attend.
• May 1: Awareness & Exchange. Register to attend.
• June 5: Adaptation & Correction. Register to attend.

Questions? Email: Victoria.LutgenGronau@UTSouthwestern.edu

CTSA Program Writing Workshop with Susan Marriott*

This workshop will guide you through the full process of creating a scientific manuscript, from writing and editing your first draft to manuscript submission and reviewer responses.

• March 21, 4–5:30 p.m. Register to attend.

Clinical Researcher Academy Community Event*

Looking to expand your network? Join other clinical researchers to create connections and community.

• March 27, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Register to attend.

*Sponsored by the UT Southwestern CTSA Program