Great Plains IDeA-CTR Annual Science Meeting

Agenda

The inaugural Great Plains IDeA CTR Annual Science Meeting (ASM) included informative presentations and interactive workshops centered around the concept of clinical and translational research (CTR). The meeting, sponsored by the Great Plains IDeA-CTR Network in conjunction with the UNMC Center for Continuing Education and UNMC College of Nursing Continuing Nursing Education, focused on research resources across the network, engaging the community in research, and the GP IDeA-CTR’s mission to build infrastructure for CTR. Targeted towards those interested in the growing field of CTR, over 180 folks from multiple professions attended the ASM from across the country.

The event kicked off with opening remarks from our Principal Investigator, Matt Rizzo. Dr. Rizzo gave a brief overview of the goals and structure of the Great Plains IDeA-CTR Network. He explained that we exist in a collaborative environment working together with partners in the region and across the nation to transform and advance CTR. Dr. Jennifer Larsen, Vice Chancellor for Research at UNMC, and Dr. Dele Davies, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at UNMC, explained how the GP IDeA-CTR dovetails with the mission of UNMC and Nebraska Medicine.

We were honored to host Dr. Christopher Austin, MD, Director of the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Dr. Austin leads the Center’s work to improve the translation of observations in the laboratory, clinic, and community into interventions that reach and benefit patients. Dr. Austin’s career has spanned the spectrum of translational research in both public and private sectors. As the keynote speaker during day 1, Dr. Austin provided insight into the direction of CTR as well as the opportunities therein. His presentation, “Catalyzing Translational Innovation,” underscored the importance of moving health research from basic science to translational science. His challenge to researchers is to find new ways to solve the problems of today and tomorrow.The event kicked off with opening remarks from our Principal Investigator, Matt Rizzo. Dr. Rizzo gave a brief overview of the goals and structure of the Great Plains IDeA-CTR Network. He explained that we exist in a collaborative environment working together with partners in the region and across the nation to transform and advance CTR. Dr. Jennifer Larsen, Vice Chancellor for Research at UNMC, and Dr. Dele Davies, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at UNMC, explained how the GP IDeA-CTR dovetails with the mission of UNMC and Nebraska Medicine.

The ASM also featured multiple panel discussions on the relationship between researchers and the community, interactive workshops, a mock review study section, and showcases of Great Plains IDeA-CTR resources. Pilot and Scholar Award Winners from the network also gave oral presentations regarding their work and discussed future directions. Please feel free to view all of these recorded sessions from the 2017 ASM below. It was also a fruitful networking opportunity for those interested in CTR, complete with dozens of poster presentations from researchers to healthcare experts and professionals from a variety of different organizations. At the end of day 1, we hosted a spirited “CTR Superstar” competition in which Dr. David Warren won a $20,000 pilot grant award for his work to “improve memory in older adults through noninvasive brain stimulation.” It was a great honor to host this successful event and we look forward to continuing this annual tradition in the years to come. Stay tuned for information on the next ASM.

Presentations

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