UTSW Expands Its AI Footprint

The greatest challenge in medicine is often the gap between breakthrough research and the moment it transforms patient care. At UT Southwestern, we are closing that gap with the launch of the Innovation Hub, dedicated to translating our most rigorous science into clinically viable solutions. This Hub is the institutional commitment to solving urgent patient needs. 

Under the direction of Daniel Hommes, M.D., Ph.D., Vice President and Chief Innovation Officer, the Hub works to develop technologies that promise to enhance diagnosis, improve treatment efficacy, and deliver better patient care. 

“Our work is rooted in the clinic,” says Dr. Hommes. “The Innovation Hub is not just about forming companies; it's about forming solutions. We are directly engaging with our clinicians and researchers to identify pressing health challenges and fast-track the innovations that will make an immediate difference." 

Whether you're a scientist with an early insight, an engineer building tomorrow's tools, or a partner looking to co-create transformative impact, we want to help you shape the future of medicine.

Reach out to get started.

Partner with the Novel Intervention Support Unit (NISU)

Taking a finding from the lab and evaluating it in humans is one of the most challenging journeys in science. From navigating regulatory requirements to managing complex human clinical trial logistics, the path can feel daunting. The NISU is dedicated to helping researchers navigate this journey by offering end-to-end support. NISU aims to enable our researchers to minimize delays, maximize commercialization opportunities, and ensure that promising ideas don’t lose momentum on the way to the clinic. 

We offer: 

• Personalized Road Maps: Tailored activation plans to guide investigators preparing for first-in-human studies
• Expert Project Management: Coordination at every step, from invention to disclosure through clinical trial activation
• Strategic Collaboration: Partnerships with institutional offices and commercialization experts to move discoveries forward
• Regulatory Support: Guidance on protocol development, safety monitoring, multisite coordination, and more

If you’re working on a therapeutic or diagnostic innovation, NISU can help you bridge the gap between laboratory research and patient care.

UT-REAL Funding for AI Research 

The UT Research, Engineering, and Application Laboratory for Healthcare Artificial Intelligence (UT- REAL-Health-AI) is seeking motivated applicants working on AI projects to improve patient care, operations, and collaboration in the UT System for the UT-REAL Pilot Award Program. 

Awards will support projects that leverage AI to improve health across Texas, advance AI models, integrate technology use across UT institutions, and drive system-level efficiency and scalability of AI.



Available awards include: 

• AI Moonshot Innovation Awards up to $500,000 each
• AI Project Supplements up to $300,000 each
• AI Implementation Awards up to $100,000 each

Find application information and requirements here. 

Applications Due Jan. 10, 2026. 

Open Call for Grant Writing Support 

We are pleased to announce an open call for submissions to receive grant writing and consulting support through Eva Garland Consulting (EGC). EGC supports scientists and entrepreneurs by helping them obtain and manage non-dilutive funding to support scientific advancement. EGC's team of Ph.D. Scientific Grant Writing Experts and Accounting & Compliance Experts specialize in identifying, securing, and managing nondilutive funds.   

We welcome projects that aim to tackle significant challenges in medicine and health, create high-value intellectual property, and reach milestones that represent substantial advancement or scientific breakthroughs. Evaluation will focus on the level of innovation, technical and execution risks, and the suitability of the proposed research objectives and technical milestones. While any grant meeting the requirements could be considered, we have specifically targeted a few types of grants, including:  

ARPA-H – applications accepted through March 2029 for Mission Office ISOs. 

• NIH SBIR/STTR – proposals due January 5th. 

To apply, please submit the following information:  

• Name 
• Department 
• Grant solicitation or RFP 
• Brief summary of the project, emphasizing its potential impact and alignment with the above criteria 

A limited number of slots are available, so early submission is strongly encouraged. Please email applications (no longer than one page) to Cara Forsberg at cara.forsberg@utsouthwestern.edu.

Biostatistics Made Simple: What Everyone Should Know*

This session will break it down into clear, practical concepts so you can communicate with confidence and apply concepts in your own work. 

• Understand the basics of biostatistics.
• Feel more comfortable talking and writing about statistics in your research.
• Recognize common pitfalls and misinterpretations in research biostatistics.
• Build confidence in reading and evaluating biostatistical results.

Dec. 2, noon-1 p.m. Register here.

Now Accepting Abstracts and Emerging Ideas for the 2026 Charles Morris Ginsburg Simulation-Based QI and Research Forum

Share your work and innovative ideas with the UTSW simulation community. We welcome submissions related to simulation in health care from all interested individuals, including students, residents, nurses, fellows, faculty, scientists, engineers, and other health care professionals. Work that has been previously presented or published is welcome. 

Find submission information and templates here.

Apply for the Dean's Scholar in Clinical Research

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 allow these faculty with an opportunity to launch their independent research careers. Apply here.

Nominations for the fall application cycle close Jan. 9. 
Nominations for the spring application cycle open Feb. 1, 2026, and close May 1, 2026.

Budgeting in Action: Tactical Budgeting in Practice

Register for an engaging session on developing an effective budget for your clinical trial.

Key points to be covered in this session include how to:

• Understand the Key Components of a Clinical Trial Budget.
• Apply Coverage Analysis to Distinguish Research Costs.
• Develop Comprehensive Clinical Trial Budgets.
• Identify and Mitigate Hidden Costs in Clinical Trials.
• Navigate Required Documentation and Best Practices.

Dec. 17, 2-3:30 p.m. Register here.

Budgeting with Impact: Strategic Budgeting and Negotiating for Full Cost Recovery and Growth

Register for an engaging session on developing an effective budget for your clinical trial.

Key points to be covered in this session include how to:

• Master Strategies for Effectively Negotiating Payment Terms.
• Negotiate Clinical Trial Agreement Terms with Confidence.

Dec. 19, 10:30 a.m.-Noon. Register here.

Compass Spring 2026 Faculty Track Application*

Compass is a remote training and mentoring program for early-career faculty and postdocs who want to develop essential leadership and management skills for the research environment. Compass provides knowledge, skills, and tools to help scholars identify new and refined approaches to their work that will foster their achievement and fulfillment as scientists.

Spring applications close Dec. 26. The cost of the program is $2,000. Enroll here.

Elevate Your Career: Master of Science in Health Informatics at UT Southwestern

The Master of Science in Health Informatics (M.S.H.I.) program at UT Southwestern is designed to equip working professionals with the knowledge and experience to lead at the intersection of health care and technology. 

Students in the M.S.H.I. program at UT Southwestern can expect to: 

• Engage in hands-on training and cutting-edge AI technologies to tackle real-world challenges and drive advancements in health care delivery. 
• Experience an interdisciplinary training approach in areas such as health data standards, workflow processes, and project management. 
• Learn from faculty educators with unique, firsthand expertise spanning clinical practice, health care administration, and technology development. 

M.S.H.I. Program Details: 

• 36-credit hour STEM graduate program 
• Cohort model with an annual start each August 
• Part-time (2.5 years) or full-time (2 years) study options 
• Evening class structure designed for advancing your career without interrupting it 

Please contact MSHealthInformatics@utsouthwestern.edu for more information.

Application deadline: Jan. 15, 2026. Apply today.

Apply to the Master of Science in Clinical Investigation (M.S.C.I.) Program

The O’Donnell School of Public Health offers the Master of Science in Clinical Investigation (M.S.C.I.) degree and the Certificate in Clinical Investigation to equip investigators with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to succeed in academic or industry careers in clinical and translational research.

Applications due April 1. Apply here.

*Sponsored by the UT Southwestern CTSA Program