CCTS Peer Scientists take on Translational Science 2025
Overview
The Association for Clinical and Translational Science (ACTS) hosted Translational Science 2025 (TS25) April 14-17. The dynamic event brought together leaders in translational science and clinical research for scientific sessions, networking, and collaboration.
Focused on the theme Integrating Data to Power Translation, the conference provided a valuable forum to connect, exchange ideas, and examine how data integration is driving the future of translational research.
Several CCTS staff presented internal research projects focused on delivering better services and programming that serve translational scientists at the University of Illinois Chicago.
Benefits of Career Development Grant Coaching Groups for Early Career Clinical and Translational Investigators Beyond Funding Success
Presented by: Sudeshna De, Research Specialist, CCTS Education
Summary:
Career development grant coaching groups for early career investigators are offered at the Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences at the University of Illinois Chicago. We revised the assessment methods of this and other CCTS educational programming. Our goal was to expand the way we think about program benefits beyond subsequent grant funding earned by participants. In addition to tracking funding metrics, we used entrance and exit survey questions to assess how prepared applicants felt and how confident they were in their funding chances. We also allowed participants to describe any other benefits in their own words.
We found that group coaching improved career development grant applicants’ perceived preparedness and funding confidence and provided potentially durable benefits including reduced fear of constructive feedback.
An Alternative to Standard Human Research Protections Training for Community Research Partners: CIRTification Online
Presented by: Emily Anderson, PhD and Alison Santiago, CCTS Regulatory & Bioethics
Summary:
Individuals who interact with research participants or their data are required to complete human research protections (HRP) training. Prior research has identified barriers to HRP training for CRPs, given that standard required training can be poorly suited given CRPs’ limited familiarity with research terminology, their backgrounds, and their specific research roles and tasks. Many but not all CTSA-funded institutions allow alternative HRP training for CRPs.
One alternative is CIRTification: Community Involvement in Research Training, a free, online HRP training program developed specifically for CRPs at UIC CCTS.
It is available in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole and is formally endorsed by 55 academic research institutions in the U.S. including 35 CTSA-funded institutions. It has been completed by almost 5,000 individuals.
Mixed-Method Approaches to Evaluating UIC’s CTSA Hub
Presented by: Amber Osterholt, PhD and Bailee Rue, MS, CCTS Evaluation & Tracking
Summary:
CCTS uses an innovative mixed-methos approach to evaluation. We use both high-impact quantitative and in-depth qualitative approaches to evaluation, which allows us to more easily identify and implement opportunities for improvement in service delivery and increase investigator satisfaction.
This mixed-methods approach establishes a process for continuous quality improvement that is driven by CCTS staff, through investigator identified areas for improvement. We have already used this approach to make changes in the way we deliver some services at CCTS, leading to improved investigator utilization.
This mixed-methods approach can be implemented by other CTSAs with little impact to current resources.
Enhancing Community-engaged Research through the adaptation and integration of the Chicago Citizen Scientist Program
Presented by: Celeste Charchalac-Zapeta, Caesar Thompson, Jeni Hebert-Beirne
Summary:
The University of Illinois at Chicago’s Center for Clinical and Translational Science is integrating a Citizen Scientist (CS) Program to equip community members with the knowledge necessary to be involved in all stages of research projects. To inform this initiative, we are conducting an assessment of 1) existing CS curricular materials, 2) existing literature, 3) website extraction of existing CS programs, and 4) key informant interviews. Prior CS instructors/alumni form the CS Advisory Board to guide the program’s adaptation and coordination.
Scheduled to launch in Fall 2025, the CS Program will consist of 10 online modules taught by UIC faculty, staff, and community partners. The Program will be readily available with the goal of research fostering community members’ lived experiences and perspectives.