CTSI launches Facebook page, community newsletter

The University at Buffalo Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) is unveiling two new ways to communicate with diverse audiences — a Facebook page and a community newsletter both offering unique opportunities to engage with the CTSI.

The Facebook page has launched at facebook.com/ubctsi — visit now to like the page and begin seeing new content. The community newsletter, titled Buffalo Research News, will be sent via email and shared online in late August. To add your email to the recipient list, fill out this form and put a check next to “Buffalo Research News.”

“Sharing information — about upcoming research studies, the ways research is changing our world for the better, and how we all can participate — is vital to the CTSI’s mission and values,” says CTSI Director Timothy Murphy, MD, SUNY Distinguished Professor and Senior Associate Dean for Clinical and Translational Research. “Cutting-edge translational and clinical research is underway at UB every day, and it is this research that will help us find new ways to improve health and better understand and treat health conditions.”

Murphy says the new Facebook page and community newsletter — which will send every other month — will offer additional ways for researchers to connect with the community and for the community to discover available research opportunities. These new platforms complement the existing CTSI Twitter account and the two-times-per-month Translational Spotlight newsletter.

“Our team has been planning the Facebook page and community newsletter for some time,” Murphy explains. “Now we’re ready for the public to experience both.”

CTSI Facebook page

The CTSI Facebook page will include information and links about participation in research; news stories; links to the latest Translational Spotlight and Buffalo Research News newsletters; and unique videos, photos, and graphics.

“We know that participation in clinical research is good for individuals’ health and the health of the community,” Murphy says. “Just as important is including people from different backgrounds in clinical research, so we will know if research discoveries will work for everyone. We’re hoping some Facebook users who might not be familiar with the CTSI, or with clinical research, will see the page and want to know more.”

UB’s social media channels, including the CTSI Facebook and Twitter accounts, apply specific comment guidelines to help readers share their thoughts and learn more in safe digital spaces. See a listing of all of UB’s official social media channels at buffalo.edu/home/ub-social-media.html.

Buffalo Research News community newsletter

Buffalo Research News was developed based on specific public feedback. CTSI’s Community Engagement team sent a survey to members of the community in April, seeking input on interest in a research-focused newsletter.

“The results indicated a definite interest,” says Laurene Tumiel-Berhalter, PhD, CTSI Community Engagement Core Director. “It also helped define content ideas and delivery methods.”

In addition, survey respondents had an opportunity to submit naming ideas for the newsletter. The winning entry, Buffalo Research News, was submitted by Jeffrey Thomas of Buffalo.

“When readers receive the first issue of Buffalo Research News in their inboxes in late August, they’ll see the results of the community input we received,” says Tumiel-Berhalter.

Sections will include “Research Roundup,” spotlighting studies that are currently recruiting; “Get to Know,” featuring community research partners; and “Ask a Researcher,” in which readers can receive answers directly from UB researchers. The first issue of Buffalo Research News will feature details about COVID-19 studies and a look at the Patient Voices Network.

Newsletter icon made by itim2101 from www.flaticon.com.