CTSI Director to discuss translational science on September 24

University at Buffalo Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) Open Research Office Zoom sessions feature expert presenters discussing important topics that can aid those involved in the research process. Each presentation is followed by a Q&A, providing attendees with a uniquely interactive learning opportunity.

Following a brief summer break, Open Research Office sessions return at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, September 24, with a presentation from CTSI Director Timothy F. Murphy, MD, SUNY Distinguished Professor, and Senior Associate Dean for Clinical and Translational Research, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. Register here to watch live on Zoom.

During “Distinguishing Translational Science From Translational Research,” Murphy will discuss a complex and often misunderstood topic.

“Translational science is focused on understanding the scientific and operational principles underlying each step of the translational process,” Murphy explains. “It is how research findings are accelerated to healthcare, thus impacting people in Western New York and around the world.”

Overlap exists between translational research and translational science; successful translational researchers often encounter challenges and figure out how to overcome them through trial and error. However, Murphy says, translational science “brings scientific rigor to addressing challenges and understanding the pipeline — the principles in each step along that translational process — and then developing and testing ways to expedite that research process and the time it takes to bring new healthcare interventions to treatment for patients.”

Murphy’s presentation will identify and analyze the similarities and differences between translational science and translational research; discuss the practice of developing translational science questions; and offer guidance on how research teams can incorporate translational science into their translational research work. In addition, Murphy will share examples outlining why the distinction between translational science and translational research is so important, and why researchers need to be aware of the complexities involved.

CTSI Associate Director Sanjay Sethi, MD, SUNY Distinguished Professor, 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, says interactivity is key, especially when complex topics are being discussed.

“The Open Research Office format allows attendees to get the answers they need from the presenters,” he says. “In addition, contact information is always shared in case post-session follow-up is needed.”

Open Research Office sessions are just one of the many types of educational and training opportunities available to research teams. Others include Watch and Learn educational module videos and the CTSI Core Competency Workshop Series.

“We understand that educational content must be easily accessible and cover the most pressing topics facing investigators and staff,” Sethi says. “Our library of materials continues to grow, and we will always be responsive to the needs and interests of research teams.”

Sessions have covered a wide range of topics in recent years, including recruitment of older adults for research, the use of external IRBs, and research with Community Health Workers. On October 29, Carol Van Zile Tamsen, PhD, Director, Office of Curriculum, Assessment and Teaching Transformation, will present “Introduction to Qualtrics for Survey Design and Administration.” Register here for the October session.

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.