The 2026 Southeast Regional Clinical & Translational Science Conference, held March 11-13, 2026, at Callaway Resort and Gardens, brought together transdisciplinary researchers to present the best new health-related preclinical, clinical, implementation, and population-based research and build collaborative relationships. This event was co-sponsored and collaboratively organized by six Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) Hubs based in Alabama, Georgia, Florida and South Carolina. Through a combination of plenary talks, featured presentations, posters, technology showcase and special interest sessions, the conference explored a range of topics related to maternal and child health, chronic diseases and cancer, clinical care paradigms, community engagement, nutrition, artificial intelligence, rural health, workforce development and mentorship. Keynote speaker, Michael Kurilla, MD, PhD, Director of the Division of Clinical Innovation at the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, discussed the significance of the CTSA program in catalyzing discovery and accelerating the translation of novel insights to impact health.

The CCTS Partner Network had a strong presence throughout the proceedings. Dr. Holly Horan (University of Alabama; K12 Scholar) kicked off the conference to address her work in collective innovation for maternal health access in west Alabama. Dr. Jennifer Pollock (UAB) and Dr. Jake Chen (UAB) joined panels to discuss how to communicate the impact of discovery and alternatives to animal models in biomedical research, respectively. Dr. Amit Kumar Mitra (Auburn) shared his work in omics-guided prediction for therapeutic optimization in preclinical cancer drug development. Dr. Kristina Neely (Auburn) presented her work examining the impact of remote Hatha Yoga to improve balance, reaction time, and emotional health.

The CCTS is pleased to recognize the trainees, research staff and early career scholars representing teams from every state in the Center’s Partner Network who presented scientific posters:

If you missed this event, you are in luck. Save the Date! The 2026 CCTS Translational Science Symposium (TSS26) will return to Gulf Shores, Alabama, from October 28-30, 2026. Click here to learn more about TSS26 and get it on your calendar. Make sure you are subscribed to the weekly CCTS Digest and connected with the CCTS on LinkedIn to stay informed of all upcoming CCTS events.

If the phrase meal prep makes you think of hours of cooking, stacks of containers, and eating the same meal all week, you’re not alone. Many people don’t avoid meal prep because they don’t care about their health. They avoid it because they’re busy, tired, or overwhelmed. Making food decisions over and over can be exhausting. This is called decision fatigue, and it can make healthy choices feel harder than they need to be.

Written by Brian C. Moon - February 20, 2026

After four years of dedicated service to the Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS), John E. Trombley, MS, will be transitioning to a new position at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

John joined the CCTS in February 2022 as Program Administrator II and quickly became one of the most recognizable faces of the Center. Serving at the front desk, he was often the first point of contact for investigators, trainees, and visitors. Beyond that visible role, John provided essential administrative support to CCTS leadership, including Drs. Orlando Gutierrez, Jennifer Croker, Robert Kimberly, and Dana Rizk.

After more than 16 years with the Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS), Jean Lambert, MA, is retiring, marking the conclusion of a career defined by dedication, institutional knowledge, and a genuine commitment to supporting researchers across the CCTS Partner Network.

When Simon Grelet, PhD, joined the University of South Alabama, Department of  Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in 2021, he launched the Cancer Innervation and Neurobiology Laboratory at the Mitchell Cancer Institute to investigate a fundamental question: how do nerves influence tumor development and spread? This work has now earned national recognition through an NCI and NIH R37 MERIT Award (1R37CA292711), which provides long-term support for his research on nerve to cancer mitochondria transfer and its influence on metastasis.

The Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS) is pleased to announce the latest recipients of CCTS Statistical and Analytic Methods Development support. This competitive program is designed to advance innovative projects that develop, refine, or apply novel statistical and computational techniques to address complex challenges in health research. By fostering methodological innovation, the program aims to accelerate the translation of scientific discoveries into improved health and healthcare delivery.

Brian C. Moon – November 24, 2025

The CCTS extends its deep appreciation to Frannie Horn, JD, EdS, MA, and Robert P. Kimberly, MD, for more than a decade of visionary service to SHARe.The Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS) Partner Network extends its sincere appreciation to Frannie Horn, JD, EdS, MA, former SHARe Administrative Director and Hub Liaison Team Operations Lead, and to Robert P. Kimberly, MD, former Chair and Medical Director of the SHARe Advisory Board, for more than a decade of visionary leadership.

Over 120 trainees, scholars, faculty, and research professionals from across the CCTS Partner Network gathered in Gulf Shores, Alabama, for the 2025 CCTS Translational Science Symposium (TSS25), a one and a half day in-person event hosted October 30–31 at The Lodge at Gulf State Park. Designed to foster connection and collaboration across disciplines, this year’s symposium featured interactive workshops, skill-building sessions, and a celebration of research excellence.

Written by Brian C. Moon – October 15, 2025

The Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS) recently hosted a Community Engagement Institute (CEI) Perspectives panel discussion on September 26, 2025, exploring how citizen science can empower communities, reshape research, and redefine the relationship between science and the public. The virtual event, titled “Citizen Science for Health: Bridging Communities and Research”, convened researchers, community leaders, and practitioners from across the CCTS Partner Network for a dynamic conversation about participatory research and shared discovery.

Dissemination & Implementation Science bridges the gap between discovery and real-world practice, helping researchers turn evidence-based findings into lasting improvements in healthcare and public health. Through this campaign, the Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS) will spotlight resources, training, and collaboration opportunities that support Dissemination & Implementation Science across the CCTS Partner Network.

The Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS) is pleased to welcome the newest participants in the RISE Leadership Development Program, an initiative designed to equip clinical research professionals with essential leadership skills. This year’s 11-week program began in September and provides immersive, experiential training focused on developing scientific and organizational leaders in clinical and translational research.

Applying for an NIH grant funding can be intimidating, especially when new rules and regulations are introduced. The Simplified Peer Review Framework for most research project grants began in January of 2025. It has arranged the review criteria into three factors to focus reviewers on three central questions:

Written by Brian C. Moon – August 20, 2025

The Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS) recently hosted a CEI Perspectives virtual panel titled “Navigating Partnerships Between Academia and Faith-Based Organizations,” drawing participants from across sectors for a robust conversation on trust-building, collaboration, and community-driven research. Held July 31, 2025, this session brought together scholars, spiritual leaders, and public policy professionals to explore how academic and faith-based partners can work together ethically and meaningfully.

Written by Tyren Lucas – August 20, 2025

Every day, we wake up and, before getting started, pass by the mirror. The person in the mirror is someone you know well—someone you’ve spent a lifetime becoming. That person is you, but when you walk out the door, the world may not know that person. In the translational research workforce—where visibility can be low and competition, high—it is not always easy to make yourself known to the hiring managers, collaborators, or leaders who can shape your career path. The opportunities you’re looking for may never materialize if others don’t see your value. That’s why it’s essential for research professionals to find ways to be seen, stand out, and build a personal brand that reflects their expertise and aspirations.

Written by Ciara Mitchell, PhD, RDN, LD

More than 40% of U.S. adults live with obesity, increasing the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. While many people succeed in losing weight initially, studies show that more than half regain most of it within a few years.

The Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS) welcomed over 80 trainees, scholars, mentors, and institutional leaders from across the CCTS Partner Network for the 2025 CCTS Summer Jamboree on July 17th. Hosted at the Marnix E. Heersink Institute for Biomedical Innovation Conference Center on the campus of the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), the half-day event offered participants a dynamic in-person experience filled with networking, skill-building, and practical insight into research resources and career pathways.

On April 12, 2025, at the 2025 Celebration of Service, the Albert Schweitzer Fellowship (ASF) of Alabama honored Dr. Janene Sims of the UAB School of Optometry and Dr. Ronald Bayles of the Titusville Development Corporation with the 2025 Outstanding Academic Mentor and Outstanding Community Site Mentor awards, respectively.

The Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS) recently hosted the latest event in its Community Engagement Institute (CEI) Perspectives series, titled Collaborative Approaches to Building Trust in Communities.

Applying for an NIH grant can be a daunting process. NIH grants are highly competitive and require a careful strategy in order to build a winning proposal.