Learn from the experts as CTSI Open Research Office sessions return
Published September 18, 2024
The University at Buffalo Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) offers a variety of educational opportunities for research teams. Some options, like the CTSI’s Watch and Learn educational module videos, are designed to provide a quick overview of a topic. Others, like the CTSI Core Competency Workshop Series, offer a much deeper dive.
Research faculty and staff looking for something in between can participate in the CTSI’s Open Research Office Zoom sessions, which feature expert guest speakers presenting on topics relevant to biomedical scientists and research coordinators. Each Open Research Office features a live session, which is recorded and later shared via the CTSI website. Attendees can ask questions, bring up concerns, and discuss ideas.
After a brief summer break, these interactive sessions return at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, October 16, with an exploration of an essential topic: research contracts. Serving as presenters for “Navigating Research Contracts at UB: Supporting Innovation and Collaboration” are three experts from the University at Buffalo:
- Conor T. Flynn, JD, Director of Research Contracts, Sponsored Projects Services
- Jennifer Mandina Wiss, Senior Contracts Manager, Technology Transfer
- Alex Borichevskiy, Purchasing and Contract Services, Procurement
The presentation will feature an overview of research contracts processes as well as discussions of UB offices focused on sponsored programs, technology transfer and innovation, and procurement and contract services. Register here to attend the virtual session on Zoom.
“We strive to find new and varied topics for our Open Research Office sessions,” says CTSI Associate Director Sanjay Sethi, MD, Assistant Vice President for Health Sciences; Professor and Chief, Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Jacobs School; and Clinical Research Office Director. “Just as important as finding essential topics is ensuring the sessions’ interactivity. We want attendees to feel as if they can get the answers they need from the presenters.”
The CTSI recently refreshed the Open Research Office web page for easier access and enhanced usability. In addition, previous sessions can also be found on the CTSI YouTube page. Past sessions available for viewing include:
- An Overview of Human Subjects Research at UB
- Common OnCore Mistakes
- TriNetX: A Closer Look
- Common IRB Submission Errors
- Common Mishaps of Community Engagement and Recruitment
- Common Errors When Registering a Study in Central Study Registration
- QA/QI
- An Overview of Click
- Pathways to IRB Review
“The goal is to create educational content that is easily accessible and covers the most pressing topics facing investigators and staff,” Sethi explains. “Our library is growing, and we will continue to be responsive to the needs and interests of research teams.”
Suggestions for new Open Research Offices topics can be sent to UB CTSI Clinical Research Facilitators Alexis O’Brien and Marchelle Brooks, MPH, at ctsihelp@buffalo.edu. Watch the CTSI website and the Translational Spotlight newsletter for additional news on upcoming sessions.
Updated September 23, 2025