A survey of UT Southwestern faculty completed this past month helped clarify our institution’s clinical and translational researcher workforce capacity as well as their operational and career development needs.

Of the 1,328 faculty who responded to the survey, two-thirds (66%) said they were a principal or co-investigator on one or more clinical and translational research projects. While nearly all on the clinical scholar career track were engaged in research, over half (58%) of those on the clinician educator track also were active on clinical research projects (see figure). 

Of those who reported being engaged in research, a quarter spent more than 70% of their total professional effort on research, while half spent less than 30% of total effort on research. The three most common primary areas of clinical research identified were clinical trials, translational/biomarker studies, and epidemiological/cohort studies. Overall, 40% of those doing research had one or more federal grants while 27% had industry support.

In terms of educational needs, respondents strongly endorsed the need for more career development opportunities at UTSW, rating pilot or bridge awards, workshops focused on career development and foundational research skills, coaching, and on demand “how-to” videos as priorities.

We appreciate the faculty’s time and responses. Moving forward, these survey responses will help guide us as we expand clinical research in the years to come.

The Perot Foundation Neuroscience Translational Research Center (PNTRC) delivers services to support translational and clinical research for providers who specialize in the neurosciences at UT Southwestern Medical Center and affiliated hospitals. It is comprised of the Clinical Research Core and the Neurosciences Biorepository Core in the Peter O’Donnell Jr. Brain Institute (OBI).  

Clinical Research Core 

With more than 10 years’ experience and a team of nearly 40 coordinators and nurses, this core offers biostatistics, study development, organization, and implementation, as well as ongoing research coordinator support to researchers in the Departments of Neurology, Neurosurgery, Pediatrics, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and Radiology. 

Neurosciences Biorepository Core 

This core offers expertise in acquiring human biospecimens centrally stored at UTSW. The team is able to collect and transport biospecimens to a dedicated lab where they are processed and stored for the researcher.

To request core services, complete the PNTRC Service Request Survey. For the biorepository core, a request in iLab is also required. 

CLN7 Trial 

The PNTRC supported the launch of a first in human phase 1 trial of a viral vector to insert a healthy copy of the CLN7 gene in children with Batten disease (caused by a mutation of the CLN7 gene). 

BEAT-MS Trial 

UT Southwestern was recently selected to be one of only a few centers chosen to enroll in a unique long-term clinical trial examining the effectiveness of bone marrow transplantation in multiple sclerosis (MS). 

EMBARK Trial 

This pivotal double-blind gene therapy trial on Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) will see if a gene that encodes for a replacement muscle protein (micro-dystrophin) is an effective treatment for DMD in children ages 4 to 8 years.

For more information, contact PNTRC@utsouthwestern.edu or Mariam Andersen, Assistant Director of Research Administration, PNTRC. 

The CTSA Program is sponsoring biostatistical consultations for researchers including faculty, residents, and fellows at UTSW and affiliated partner institutions. These consultations are limited in scope and intended to answer quick queries to help researchers understand the underlying statistical aspects of their research projects.

Appointments for Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Research Design (BERD) virtual 15-minute consultations are available every Wednesday and Friday from 11 a.m. to noon. Book now, choose a date and time, and you will receive a calendar appointment for your consultation.

Questions? Contact Katherine.Cruz@UTSouthwestern.edu

Community Engagement Grand Rounds

Thomas Concannon, Ph.D., presents “Fit for Purpose – Stakeholder Engagement in Health Research.”

• Tuesday, April 19, from noon to 1 p.m. Register to attend.

Clinical and Translational Research Forum

This interactive forum provides an opportunity for trainees to meet with established investigators in clinical and translational research to share their ideas and experiences.

• Thursdays at noon. Join via Zoom; meeting ID 918 5345 2714, passcode 361531. 

Clinical Informatics Research Colloquium

This event allows our scientists in clinical informatics to exchange ideas. In this month's colloquium, Robert Turer, M.D., presents “User-Centered Design and Implementation of a FHIR-Based Custom Application Facilitating Point-of-Care Prognostication for Children with Pneumonia.”

• Tuesday, April 26, from 1-2 p.m. Contact Katherine Flannery to register for the virtual event.

Master of Science in Clinical Science

The application deadline has been extended for UTSW’s Master of Science in Clinical Science and related certificate programs. 

• Apply by May 31.