Vol. 45 | Oct. 2026, 4-minute read

Help Connect Patients to the Future of Medicine

The Sequencing Populations to Accelerate Research and Care (SPARC) initiative is now officially launched. With the launch of the new public SPARC website, enrollment is now open to all UT Southwestern patients, offering each of us an opportunity to contribute to UTSW's research mission.

SPARC aims to build one of the nation's largest genetically sequenced biobanks, creating a resource that will help researchers better understand the genetic drivers of disease and accelerate discoveries in screening, prevention, and treatment. By introducing eligible patients to SPARC, you can help expand participation in a study designed to advance precision medicine and improve health outcomes for future generations.

Participants provide a blood sample and have the opportunity to receive information about their genetic ancestry and certain medically actionable genetic findings.

Connect with the SPARC team: SPARC@utsouthwestern.edu

Explore SPARC

Open Call for IRB Members

The Office of Research Regulatory Affairs is seeking faculty volunteers to serve on the Institutional Review Board (IRB). IRB members play a critical role in protecting the rights and welfare of research participants and support the responsible conduct of research.

Service commitment:

Attend two meetings per month on an assigned board.
Review research protocols in advance of meetings.

Faculty with clinical, scientific, behavioral, social science, or ethics expertise are encouraged to apply. IRB members receive training and ongoing education and appointments are generally renewable for three-year terms. Compensation is available for meeting attendance.

Help shape the future of ethical human research at UT Southwestern by bringing your expertise to the IRB. Contact Meyad Bird, IRB Director for more information on serving on the IRB.

UT REAL Health AI Recap

On Oct. 7, the UT community gathered for the 2026 UT REAL Health AI Symposium. The event brought together 897 attendees and 92 speakers to explore both the challenges and opportunities of implementing artificial intelligence across research, administration, education, and healthcare.

Presentations from UT Southwestern experts highlighted the breadth of AI innovation across the institution. Natale Ramello, J.D., led a breakout session examining UT’s approach to AI regulation and compliance, while Eric Peterson, M.D., led a mainstage fireside chat discussing the economic implications of AI on health systems. Additionally, Andrew Jamieson, Ph.D. and Dylan Owens, Ph.D. shared insights from their UT System AI REAL funded grant work.

Overall, the symposium showcased the meaningful progress UTSW teams have already made toward building a strong foundation for the responsible use of AI across the UT System.

Learn more about UTSW's AI efforts at the upcoming AI Town Hall on Oct. 29.

Funding Opportunities

NORC Pilot and Feasibility Grant Applications

Applications are now open for the next cycle of Pilot & Feasibility Grants through the UT Southwestern Nutrition and Obesity Research Center (NORC). The program supports innovative research in nutrition, obesity, obesity-related disorders, and mechanisms underlying body weight homeostasis. Up to four awards will be made, with each recipient receiving up to $50,000 for one year along with prorated access to NORC Metabolic Core facilities.

Proposals must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 11. View criteria and guidelines.

Important Dates and Upcoming Events

University Lecture Series: Bonnie Bassler

Quorum Sensing Across Domain Boundaries

Please join us for a University Lecture Series presentation featuring guest speaker Bonnie Bassler, Ph.D., an HHMI Investigator and the Andrew K. Golden University Professor at Princeton University.

Oct. 27. 4 p.m. Register here.

AI Town Hall

Attend the AI Town Hall to hear UT Southwestern leaders discuss how AI is shaping the future of the institution and the opportunities and considerations that come with its adoption. The program will include a panel discussion followed by a live Q&A session.

Submit your questions in advance to questions@utsouthwestern.edu.

Featured speakers include:

Warren D’Souza, Ph.D., M.B.A., Vice President and Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer
Brian Evans, Associate Vice President and Chief Enterprise Architect
Eric Peterson, M.D., M.P.H., Vice Provost and Senior Associate Dean for Clinical Research
Natalie Ramello, J.D., Vice President and Chief Institutional Compliance & Audit Officer
DuWayne Willett, M.D., Associate Vice President and Chief Health Informatics Officer

Boxed lunches will be available following the event for registered attendees while supplies last.

Oct. 29. Noon-1 p.m. Registration is required.

2026 Leaders in Clinical Excellence Awards

The entire UT Southwestern community is invited to join a celebration honoring the recipients of the ninth annual Leaders in Clinical Excellence Awards, including the newest winner of the Patricia and William L. Watson Jr., M.D. Award for Excellence in Clinical Medicine, which is UT Southwestern’s highest honor in clinical care.

Nov. 4. 4:30 p.m. Register here.

The Learning Health System of 2035: Designing Healthcare That Learns

Please join Internal Medicine and the Clinical Informatics Center, either in person or virtually, for a Grand Rounds Expert Panel.

Nov. 11. 11:30 a.m.-noon. Registration is required.

2026 New Faculty Research Forum

The New Faculty Research Forum celebrates the newest members of UT Southwestern’s research community and the groundbreaking ideas they bring to our campus. This year, 16 presenters will share their innovative work, offering us a glimpse into the discoveries, technologies, and therapeutic advances shaping the future of medicine.

Nov. 12. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. NG3.112. Event information and registration here.

Accessibility 101: The Why Behind the What

To support UT Southwestern’s move toward compliance with federal digital accessibility requirements, the Accessibility 101 training series will continue as a standing monthly offering.

Sessions are held the second Wednesday of each month. Register for a session.

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