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September 27-29, 2023 │ Biloxi, MS

The CCTS Translational Training Symposium is a two-and-a-half day learning event that gathers exceptional scholars and professionals of all levels of the translational career arc from across the Tri-State CCTS Partner Network. Each day of the event is filled with a robust lineup of structured training sessions and workshops that are administered by subject matter experts who bring a wealth of knowledge to elevate the learning experience.

The CCTS Symposium is honestly one of my favorite conferences, I've had the privelege to attend as a PhD student  and as a Post-Doc. Each time I attend, I find the sessions to be applicable and so informative nomatter my career stage. I look forward to seeing what the next conference teaches me for the next step of my career. -Amanda Gross, PhD, Research Fellow 4, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University

Check out last year's photos by clicking here.

Attendees from all stages of the career arc will engage in an assortment of essential training opportunities including grant writing, career and personal development, community-engaged research, team science, translational thinking, and more. The Symposium also serves as a networking event that brings mentors and trainees together to create vital synergies that invigorate the continuous growth and innovative efforts of the Partner Network.

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS 

Dr. Michele Kong, a distinguished physician scientist at Children's of Alabama, pursued her medical degree from the University of Calgary and specialized in pediatric critical care at UAB. Her research, backed by NIH funding, delves into protease dysregulation and its impact on pediatric lung diseases such as Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). With the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Kong has expanded her work to explore the characteristics and immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 in hospitalized children. Additionally, she co-founded KultureCity, a global non-profit dedicated to disability inclusion. She also spearheads the Sensory Integration Program in Alabama, focusing on eliminating diagnostic barriers and enhancing care for children with sensory and social communication challenges.

Joyce Balls-Berry, PhD, is an esteemed Associate Professor of Neurology at Washington University School of Medicine. She leads the Health Disparities and Equity Core in the Knight ADRC, a testament to her commitment to combating health inequity. Before her tenure at Washington University, Balls-Berry contributed valuable expertise at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science as an Assistant Professor of Epidemiology and Senior Associate Consultant. She is an alumna of Xavier University of Louisiana, Washington University School of Medicine, and The University of Florida. Her research focus is on community-patient engagement to uplift health equity in underprivileged communities. Alongside her research, Balls-Berry founded the Minority Women in Research Network in 2011, a platform encouraging minority women scientists to foster research collaborations and academic innovation. Her excellence as an educator hasn't gone unnoticed; she's earned the Mayo Clinic Teacher of Year for the Graduate School and Educator of the Year for the Center for Clinical and Translational Science awards, acclaimed by faculty and students alike. Her inspiring journey of overcoming dyslexia and personal hurdles has recently been shared through a TEDx Talk.

CALL FOR THREE MINUTE THESIS & POSTER PRESENTATIONS FOR THE 2023 CCTS TRANSLATIONAL TRAINING SYMPOSIUM 

Poster Session and 3-Minute Thesis Awards & Evaluation Criteria 
Three Poster Presentations and three 3-Minute Thesis Presentations will be selected and recognized for excellence in research. Each presentation will be assessed based on the quality of the presentations, clarity of the subject, and staying within the qualifying parameters of the Poster or 3MT presentations.  No cash prizes or additional funding will be awarded to the winners of the Poster and 3MT presentation sessions.  

Three Minute Thesis
At the 2023 CCTS Translational Training Symposium we want to introduce a fun way for trainees and scholars to condense and translate their extensive research in a fast-paced competition to a multi-disciplinary and non-specialist audience. The Three Minute Thesis cultivates connections with a broad audience while improving the communication dexterity of the presenters.

Three Minute Thesis Topic and Submission Requirements

The 3-Minute Thesis Session will be on Thursday, September 28, 2023, from 3:45-5:15 pm. The 3MT presentation has these requirements: 

• Presentation will consist of ONE PowerPoint slide only (similar to a poster) 
• Speaker will present on-stage and can be behind or away from the podium 
• No props can be utilized (such as music, videos, musical instruments, research equipment, etc.) 
• No video or audio files can be used 
• Presentation cannot exceed three minutes 
• Presentations exceeding three minutes will not be eligible to win the competition 

Example 1;  Example 2; Example 3

Tips for a Succesful Three-Minute Thesis

Poster Presentations
In keeping with tradition at the CCTS Translational Training Symposium, trainees and scholars will have the opportunity to present their translational research ideas and projects while engaging and networking with symposium attendees from all stages of their academic and career journeys.

Poster Topic and Submission Requirements
The Poster Session will be on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, from 5:30-7:30 pm. The poster display board is 48in wide and 36in tall (48in x 36in), so the poster that you print will need to fit within those parameters. You are not required to fill the entire display board, but be mindful of staying within the size dimensions listed here. The Poster presentation also has these requirements: 

• 12 word limit for presentation title 
• 50-word limit for poster abstract 
• Poster has to include the presenter's name, email address, institution, and additional collaborators and presenters (if applicable) 
• Poster needs to be uncluttered, easy to read, and highly visible 

How to submit
Interested participants should submit the online application no later than 5:00pm CT, Friday, September 8, 2023. Questions? Please contact Ty Lucas: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

2023 CCTS Rally To Discovery Recognition Voucher

The 2023 CCTS Rally To Discovery Recognition Voucher is an award of appreciation that celebrates trainees and early career investigators for their contributions to science, recognizes their achievements, and to support the continuous development and growth of their academic and professional journey. Trainees and Early Career investigators have the opportunity to receive a $300 Travel Voucher that will offset travel expenses to attend the 2023 CCTS Translational Training Symposium.

Award: $300 per awardee*
Purpose: To recognize scientific achievements and contributions to scientific research while offsetting travel expenses to attend the 2.5 day event.
Eligibility: 1) Pre-Doctoral and Post-Doctoral Trainees and Early Career Investigators (as classified by the NIH) from any of the Partner Network Institutions, 2) Have to present either a Poster or a Three Minute Thesis presentation, 3) Must attend the Symposium for the full 2.5 day duration
Application

In addition, the CCTS will waive the symposium registration fee for all pre- and post-doctoral trainees to further reduce barriers to participation. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for a discount code to use in registration.

*Travel Vouchers will be paid to the individual institution of the awardee to reimburse the trainee. Vouchers will not be paid directly to the trainee in the form of cash or check. Please allow time for processing. If reimbursements are not made after 30 days, please reach out to your PI, Financial Officer, or Department Finance Administrator*

Potential awardees should submit the online application no later than 5:00pm CT, Friday, September 8, 2023. Questions? Please contact Ty Lucas: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Spread the word about the Symposium using these suggested social posts and graphics! 

Symposium FAQS:

What: CCTS Translational Training Symposium

When: Sept. 27-29^th, 2023

Where: Biloxi, MS

Who: Attendees from all stages of the career arc will engage in an assortment of essential training opportunities including grant writing, career and personal development, community engaged research, team science, translational thinking, and much more.

How: Expert speakers and leaders from across the CCTS Partner Network will lead interactive sessions throughout the 2.5-day event. Poster Sessions and Three Minute Thesis presentations will provide key networking opportunities. Keynote Speakers are Drs. Michele Kong and Joyce Balls-Berry, established investigators with insights to share.

Learn More & Register

Questions? Contact Tyren Lucas, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Suggested social posts:

Join the relay to scientific discovery at the CCTS Translational Training Symposium in Biloxi, MS, Sept 27-29! Join scholars & professionals across the career arc for in-depth training & workshops led by top experts. Elevate your skills, expand your network & ignite discussions! Learn more and register: go.uab.edu/cctssymposium  #CCTS

Graphics and Flyers (click to view and download):