On June 9–10, 2025, over 80 attendees gathered in New Orleans for Breaking the Boundaries: Reimagining Research and Clinical Practice for a Healthier Tomorrow, a two-day symposium focused on aligning research and care delivery to address today’s most pressing health challenges. Hosted by the Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS) and the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center and presented as part of the national Strengthening Pathways initiative, the event brought together researchers, clinicians, trainees, community members, government leaders, and industry professionals from across Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and beyond. In total, representatives from 11 CCTS Partner and Affiliate institutions participated in the event—an incredible demonstration of the strength and breadth of our regional collaboration.

The symposium featured two engaging keynote addresses: Dr. Brian M. Rivers from Morehouse School of Medicine opened the event with a compelling talk on the urgent need for practical health solutions, while Dr. Michael Mugavero from UAB closed day two by highlighting the importance of forward-thinking approaches that focus on real-world health outcomes.

“This symposium gave us a unique opportunity to step outside of our institutional silos and have honest, forward-looking conversations about how we conduct research and deliver care,” said Jennifer Croker, PhD, CCTS Administrative Director. “By bringing together voices from across disciplines and communities, we’re building the foundation for practical, collaborative solutions that can truly make a difference.”

A major highlight of the symposium was the NextGen Lightning Talks, during which pre- and post-doctoral trainees from across the CCTS Partner Network presented bold ideas for overcoming real-world barriers in translating evidence into health improvement. Presenters included Mary Aboraa Aboagye (UAB), Chloe Roth (UAB), Rebecca Vales (UAB), Dr. Breanna Wade (UMMC), Dr. Harriet Hammond (Tulane), Dr. Kaja Falkenhain (PBRC), and Dr. Adam Lowe (PBRC).

Additional sessions included interactive brainstorming, expert panel discussions, and World Café breakout sessions—each designed to encourage collaboration across sectors and generate actionable ideas for improving the research process, clinical care, and health system infrastructure.

The conversation didn’t end in New Orleans—it’s just getting started. We invite everyone to stay engaged and continue the conversation, contributing to a shared vision for how research can better serve communities and promote better health outcomes at every level. To learn more about the national Strengthening Pathways initiative, visit dorisduke.org/strengthening-pathways and email us at CCTS@uab.edu if you would like to receive on-going updates from our event, even if you weren’t able to attend.

Scroll through event photos below, or click here to view the full gallery and make sure you are subscribed to the weekly CCTS Digest to be informed of all upcoming CCTS events.