Artificial Intelligence with Meaning: New Tools to Enhance How We Work

UT Southwestern’s approved AI tool set is designed to help you work with AI that meets our security and compliance standards. Explore approved resources, learn best practices, and get answers to frequently asked questions on the UTSW AIM website. ‌If you use or plan to use AI tools, the “Responsible Use of AI at UTSW” course in Taleo Learn is an institutional requirement for a license to be issued. 

‌Licenses are now available for: 

• ‌Microsoft Teams Premium: Summarize MS Teams meetings, generate recaps, and create minutes 
• ‌Microsoft 365 Copilot: Boost personal, operational, and financial productivity by creating documents, analyzing data, and streamlining workflows 
• ‌OpenAI-ChatGPT: Draft content, brainstorm ideas, and refine messaging 
• ‌Cloudforce NebulaOne: Run ChatGPT models securely within UTSW Azure environment 

Visit the intranet pages (on-campus network connection or VPN required) on AI Responsible Usage and Data Security and Privacy guidelines, or email AI@utsouthwestern.edu with questions.

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.

The Research Development Office (RDO) has recently been enhanced with the recruitment of Chad Ellis, Ph.D., as its inaugural Director. Chad has significant experience in both research operations and grant development at several prestigious institutions. With his addition, the RDO plans to expand both funding support services available to UTSW researchers and also simplify processes throughout the grant development lifecycle. The RDO’s overarching goal is to help teams identify opportunities and produce clear and compelling proposals that translate into externally funded grants. In particular, the office specializes in large-scale, multidisciplinary, and collaborative research proposals. For these, the RDO will partner closely with principal investigators, faculty teams, and grant managers to strengthen the competitiveness of research proposals. It will provide strategic support through project management, content development, and expert review of scientific and administrative sections.

Investigators seeking support for upcoming large, complex, or collaborative proposals are encouraged to contact the Research Development Office early in the planning process to discuss project needs, timelines, and available services.

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 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.

Children’s Clinical Research Advisory Committee (CCRAC) Grant Funding Cycle Now Open*

Do not miss this opportunity to apply for funding! Use opportunity links below for full details.

• Early Career Research Award

Applications Due: March 20, 2026

• Fellow Research Scholar Award

Applications Due: May 4, 2026

• Nursing/Allied Health Research Award

Applications Due: May 4, 2026

• Senior Investigator Bridge Award

Applications Due: Jan. 1, April 1, July 1, and Oct. 1

UT Southwestern CTSA Program Community Engagement Grand Rounds: Beyond "Involvement": Capacity-Building for True Patient-Centered Research*

Nichole Nidey, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Epidemiology at the University of Iowa College of Public Health, joins us to share a compelling case example of meaningful, intentional patient engagement. Hear how EMPOWER Project partners with mothers with lived experience of substance use to strengthen patient confidence and skills fostering shared leadership, and build systems that prioritize trust, relevance, and lasting impact.

• Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 at Noon. Register here.

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:

• Master strategies for effectively negotiating payment terms.
• Negotiate clinical trial agreement terms with confidence.

• Dec. 19, 2025, 10:30 a.m.- Noon. Register here.

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

The Master of Science in Health Informatics (MSHI) 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 MSHI 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.

MSHI Program Details:

• 36-credit hour STEM graduate program.
• Cohort model with an annual start each in 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.

Data Resources at UTSW: Utilizing Internal EMR Data and Beyond*

For researchers at any stage who want to make the most of internal UTSW and affiliated hospitals’ data. Join online for this virtual session.

• Understand the various data platforms available at UTSW and affiliated hospitals, with insights directly from experts who manage and support these systems.
• Learn how to formulate and submit effective internal data queries from experts who can clarify access processes, governance requirements, and integration between institutional data sources.
• Learn how to access and use institutional data more effectively for research, quality improvement, and operational projects, including practical tips from those who manage the systems every day.

• Jan. 28 at noon. Register here.

Apply to the Master of Science in Clinical Investigation (MSCI) Program

The O’Donnell School of Public Health offers the Master of Science in Clinical Investigation (MSCI) 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