Explore UAB

Colleges & Schools

Blaze a Brighter Future
Blaze a Brighter Future
Center for Clinical and Translational Science

CCTS Impact - Program Success Stories

Behind every discovery is often a program, resource, or service that made it possible. These stories spotlight the CCTS programs, from pilot funding to training to research infrastructure, that helped investigators move their work forward.
CCTS ImpactResearch Success StoriesEntrepreneurship StoriesIndividual Career Stories

Developing the Next Generation of Clinical Research Leaders Through the RISE Leadership Program

 

Abstract

Clinical and translational research increasingly depends on effective team science and strong operational leadership. To address this need, the UAB Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS) created the RISE Leadership Program (Relate, Inspire, Strategize, Elevate), a 10-week experiential training program designed to develop leadership competencies among clinical research professionals. In 2025, twenty-six participants from across the UAB research enterprise joined RISE (Cohort 2) and completed training focused on leadership, communication, teamwork, emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, trust building, change management, and human resources. Evaluation results demonstrated substantial gains in leadership competencies immediately following the program and sustained improvements six months later. Participants reported increased confidence in leading teams, communicating effectively, managing change, and making decisions. Six-month follow-up assessments revealed that participants and their supervisors observed meaningful improvements in leadership performance, communication, collaboration, and problem-solving. Participants also highlighted networking opportunities, expanded professional connections, and increased self-awareness as lasting outcomes. By strengthening the leadership capacity of the clinical research workforce, RISE contributes to a more effective research environment and helps support the long-term success of clinical and translational research programs at UAB.

30% Growth in participants' self-assessed skills in building, leading, and motivating teams from pre-program to six-month follow-up. 13.5% of participants in Cohorts 1 & 2 received promotions after attending. 100% of participants reported being better prepared to take on leadership challenges six months after completing the program.

Impact Story

Clinical and translational research is increasingly conducted by multidisciplinary teams that require strong leadership, communication, and collaboration skills. Yet many clinical research professionals advance into leadership responsibilities without formal training in team management, conflict resolution, strategic thinking, or organizational leadership. Recognizing this need, the UAB CCTS Training Academy developed the RISE Leadership Program to help prepare the next generation of clinical research leaders.

The 10-week RISE program was intentionally designed as an immersive leadership experience for clinical research professionals interested in expanding their influence and effectiveness within research teams. Through sessions covering leadership fundamentals, communication, emotional intelligence, trust building, change management, human resources, and team science, participants gained practical tools they could immediately apply in their professional roles. Twenty-six participants representing multiple schools, centers, and research units across UAB took part in Cohort 2.

Evaluation results demonstrated exceptionally strong participant satisfaction. All participants reported that the content was relevant to their roles across most sessions, and every participant responding to the post-program survey said they would recommend the program to colleagues. Participants consistently identified networking opportunities, leadership development, communication training, and professional growth as major benefits. Many described the opportunity to connect with peers across the research enterprise as one of the most meaningful aspects of the experience.

Importantly, the impact of the program extended well beyond program completion. Six months later, participants reported sustained improvements in leadership capabilities, including a 30% increase in confidence related to building and motivating teams. Participants also reported improved communication, stronger self-awareness, increased emotional intelligence, and better problem-solving skills. Follow-up surveys revealed that 100% of participants felt better prepared to take on leadership challenges and communicate more effectively with colleagues.

Supervisor feedback reinforced these findings. Supervisors observed greater confidence, stronger communication skills, improved collaboration, and more effective decision-making among program graduates. Several supervisors specifically noted improvements in strategic thinking, problem solving, teamwork, and overall professional contributions. Participants themselves described becoming more intentional listeners, more effective communicators, and more confident leaders capable of navigating challenges and supporting their teams.

The RISE program demonstrates how targeted workforce development can strengthen the clinical and translational research enterprise. By equipping research professionals with practical leadership skills and fostering connections across disciplines, the program helps create a stronger, more collaborative research workforce prepared to support scientific discovery and improve health outcomes in the years ahead.

TSBM Benefit

Benefits Community

Community & Public Health Benefits
  • Health Care Quality: RISE strengthened leadership, communication, teamwork, emotional intelligence, and decision-making competencies among clinical research professionals. Stronger leadership and more effective teams contribute to improved quality and coordination of research operations that support clinical and translational science. Six-month follow-up data showed improvements in communication (100%), collaboration (100%), and leadership preparedness (100%) among participants.
  • Community Power & Partnership: The most commonly cited outcome of the program was networking and professional connection-building across departments and research units. Participants described forming new relationships, sharing solutions to common challenges, and creating lasting collaborations that extended beyond the program itself.
  • Resource Access: Participants reported increased awareness of CCTS resources, toolkits, regulatory resources, and research support infrastructure that they were previously unaware existed, improving their ability to access institutional resources needed for research success.

Benefits Economic

Economic Benefits
  • Representative Healthcare Workforce: The RISE program expands leadership development opportunities for clinical research professionals and helps prepare a broader and more diverse pool of future research leaders. Participants specifically cited professional growth, leadership development, mentoring skills, and preparation for advancement. Two participants reported promotions within six months of program completion, and 13.5% of participants across both cohorts 1 & 2 had received promotions at follow-up.
  • Fair Healthcare Economies: By strengthening workforce capabilities, improving retention, and creating advancement pathways within the clinical research workforce, leadership development programs such as RISE may contribute to a stronger and more equitable research workforce environment.