Vol. 42 | May 2026, 3-minute read

Meet the Future of Clinical Research at UTSW

On April 13, UT Southwestern celebrated our rising physician-scientists, fellows, and students at the 2026 Future Leaders in Clinical Research Symposium. Presentations at the event addressed topics ranging from CAR T-cell therapy and liver transplant survivorship to pregnancy-related disease, neonatal feeding intolerance, and new approaches to treating substance use disorders. The event reflects UTSW's ongoing commitment to cultivating the next generation of clinical research leaders through mentorship, collaboration, and dedicated training.

Read the full story in Center Times Plus.

Advance Your Clinical Research Career with New Training and Development Courses

Visit our newly launched Research Training and Development website for information on UTSW's programs, workshops, and mentorship opportunities. Whether you’re launching a study, preparing your next grant, or refining your skills in scientific writing, the site offers personalized, competency-based training and career development tools in one easy-to-navigate online hub.

Training is designed to benefit all faculty, staff, and trainees who support UTSW's research mission and can cater to your availability and experience. Highlights from the programs include:

• Workshops: Enhance your research skill with targeted instruction designed to sharpen your writing and boost your funding success.
• Support & Mentoring: Connect with vital UTSW systems, gain individualized career guidance, and get the answers you need to drive your professional development.

Celebrating the People Behind the Science

More than 250 clinical research professionals gathered on April 28 to celebrate Clinical Research Professionals Day. Coordinators, nurses, research assistants, and managers representing the full range of roles required to conduct clinical studies came together for a rare opportunity to connect. Attendees gathered with colleagues from various departments, engaged with resource groups, and built new relationships, strengthening a shared sense of community across campus. Many shared a common realization – “There are so many of us here” – underscoring the deep value of connection among our CRPs.

Peer-nominated award recipients were recognized during a ceremony honoring our staff's outstanding contributions to clinical research.

Health Equity Scholars Program

This program supports faculty with an interest in health equity. Five scholars will be selected to receive financial support and professional mentorship over two years. Through this program, scholars will gain experience in engaging the community in activities that promote health and wellness. 

• Applications due June 19. Learn more.

Applications Open for the 2026-27 THR Clinical Scholars Program

The Texas Health Resources (THR) Clinical Scholars Program supports the training and development of outstanding clinician-researchers at UT Southwestern. It provides up to 70% protected research time and other resources to promote career development for clinical investigators. Scholars are eligible to receive up to $750,000 for research and salary support for three years.

• Cycle 2 applications are due Sept. 25.
• Cycle 3 applications are due Jan. 30.

Children's Clinical Research Advisory Committee Grant Funding Cycle Now Open*

Children’s Health will support research designed to improve the understanding, prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of childhood diseases. In particular, Children’s Health seeks to provide one year of funding for innovative research ideas with high potential for sustainable extramural support in the future.

• Applications due July 1 and Oct. 1. Application information.

Submit Your Research to the 2027 Scientific Report

Discovery at UT Southwestern features a selection of our institution’s latest developments in biomedical science and clinical research. It has become a keystone in our recruitment efforts to inspire the very best scientists, clinicians, and trainees to join our community.

You are invited to submit your research stories and/or scientific images for consideration for the 2027 edition. We are looking for basic and translational stories that reflect the research questions, unique approaches, and interdisciplinary collaborations you are pursuing to push the boundaries of what we know and inspire what can be. The selected scientific image will become the cover art for the 2027 report.

• Submit your stories and images by June 12.

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.

Short Course in Health Promotion and Implementation Science*

The Center for Health Promotion and Prevention Research and Institute for Implementation Science are excited to offer two continuing education short courses. Join our expert faculty instructors virtually and in person at the UTHealth Houston School of Public Health for these courses in intervention and implementation mapping.

• Implementation Mapping: May 26-29, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Intervention Mapping: June 1-4, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Register here.

SEAK (K-Grant Writing) Workshop*

Improve your likelihood of funding as you craft relevant sections of your K award application for review. Your completed grant application will be reviewed, and participants will take part in a mock study section.

• Applications due Friday, May 29. More information.

What’s Next in AI at UTSW: Town Hall

Please plan to join UT Southwestern leaders for a focused discussion on the future of artificial intelligence at our institution. Presenters will include Heidi Jacobe, M.D., Associate Dean for Clinical Research Development, along with members of the AI leadership team, including Natalie Ramello, J.D., Vice President, Chief Compliance and Audit Officer, and Brian Evans, Associate Vice President, Chief Enterprise Architect. 


• June 16 at noon. Register here.

Pinnacle Awards

The entire UT Southwestern community is invited to celebrate staff who embody our core values of excellence, innovation, teamwork, and compassion and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. To ensure ample food and drinks for everyone, please complete your registration today.

• June 17 at 4 p.m. Register here.

Explore RedCap's Extended Features: Advanced Tools for Clinical Research*

Join us for an engaging session led by Mujeeb Basit, M.D., designed to empower you with both foundational knowledge and practical tools. 


• June 30 at noon. Register here.

*Sponsored by the UT Southwestern CTSA Program