Research News - Dec. 13, 2013

ANNOUNCEMENTS

1. Core of the Week: Ragon Imaging Core

Ragon Imaging Core
Director: Galit Alter, PhD
Location: 400 Technology Square, room 810/812

The mission of the Ragon Institute Imaging Core is to bring the latest imaging modalities to bear on fundamental molecular and cell biological questions pertaining to human disease. As an MGH core facility, it serves the greater MGH community in all aspects of advanced microscopy and image analysis. The Microscopy division of the Ragon Institute Imaging Core is located on the 8th floor of 400 Technology Square in Cambridge (Main Street). The core offers training, assistance and access to a wide variety of imaging systems including slide scanners (TissueFAXS and Zeiss MIRAX MIDI) for rapid imaging of tissues and adhered cell populations, high resolution confocal imaging (Zeiss LSM510), and advanced live cell imaging systems. There is also high-speed, flow-based imaging of cell populations in suspension using the ImagingStreamX MkII by Amnis. Our facility is unique in that our confocal and live cell imaging systems are situated in a BL2S facility. In addition, consultation is provided on sample preparation, experimental design, and advanced image analysis, in addition to assistance with all aspects of the imaging process.

To learn more about the Ragon Virology Core, please click here.

2. Partners Research Management Message - December 12, 2013

Please click here to read the latest Partners Research Management Message.

• Research Applications Insight 3.5 Update
• InfoEd PD Budget News
• Research Portal Update: Requirements Gathering, Content Migration Planning and Prototype Testing
• Research Management Training Classes for 2014
• Partners RM Rewards & Recognition Program: Submit a Nomination by December 31st
• Upcoming Holiday Schedule for Partners Research Management

EVENTS

1. Audit Time: Is Your Site Prepared?

Thursday, January 23, 1:30pm - 3:00pm, Simches 3.110

Sponsored by the MGH Clinical Research Program and the Partners Human Research Office

Emily Ouellette, JD, QI Specialist, Partners Human Research Quality Improvement Program
If your study site was audited today, would you be ready? This presentation provides an overview of the different types of audits that could occur at your site, what to expect during an audit and tips for audit preparation. Case studies focusing on corrective actions and audit preparation will also be discussed.

This course is geared towards investigators, research nurses, study coordinators and all other study staff.

This program meets the requirements of the Board of Registration in Nursing, at 244 CMR 5.00, for 1.5 contact hours of nursing continuing education.

Registration is required. Contact Jillian Tonelli with further questions about this session.

2. Subject Recruitment and Retention Series

Sponsored by the MGH Clinical Research Program

The Subject Recruitment and Retention Series will provide instruction on the best practices for recruiting and retaining study subjects. The series is composed of 2 live sessions, a hands-on workshop and an online module for developing a recruitment and retention plan. The live courses and workshop allow interaction with experienced coordinators and investigators, who enroll subjects in clinical trials at MGH.

Strategies for Recruiting and Retaining Study Subjects
January 14, 1:00pm - 2:30pm, Simches Building, Room 3.110
Speaker: Barbara Steiner, EdM

In this session, we will identify strategies to recruit and retain subjects from the practical standpoint of a study coordinator working on a clinical trial. We will present the advantages and disadvantages of various methods and discuss outreach skills that support recruitment and retention.

Recruiting and Enrolling Minority Subjects
January 28, 12:30 - 2:00pm, Simches Building, Room 3.110
Speaker: Enrico Cagliero, MD

It is important to include minorities in clinical research. A large number of minority patients receive care at MGH and these patients should be considered as potential subjects in clinical trials. Dr. Cagliero will discuss strategies for recruiting and enrolling minorities in clinical trials. Dr. Cagliero will also discuss the ethical and regulatory implications of including minorities in clinical research.

Recruitment and Retention Workshop
February 5, 3:00 - 4:30pm, Simches Building, Room 3.130
Speakers: Educational Advisory Committee

During this informal, hands on workshop experienced study coordinators and participants will diagnose and troubleshoot common enrollment problems using various recruitment and retention scenarios. Study coordinators will role-play with participants in small groups. This will be an interactive session.

Registration is required. Please contact Kelsey Gay with any questions.

This program meets the requirements of the Board of Registration in Nursing, at 244 CMR 5.00, for 3.0 contact hours of nursing continuing education.

3. Welcome to the Genetic Code: An Overview of Basic Genetics

Monday, February 3, 2:00 - 4:30 pm, Simches Conference Room 3.110

Sponsored by the MGH Clinical Research Program and the MGH Center for Human Genetic Research

This introductory course will review fundamental language and concepts including DNA anatomy and genome organization; genotype-phenotype correlations; basic population genetics; and genotyping. Participants will have the opportunity to submit questions to the faculty prior to the lectures.

Schedule:
2:00pm - 3:00pm:  Jordan W. Smoller, M.D., Sc.D.; Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Center for Human Genetic Research, MGH

3:00-3:15pm:  Break

3:15 - 4:30pm:  Susan A. Slaugenhaupt, Ph.D.; Associate Professor of Neurology, Center for Human Genetic Research, MGH

This course is strongly recommended for both new and experienced clinicians, clinical investigators, nurses, and other clinical research staff who wish to further expand their knowledge of modern concepts in genetics and genomics.

Registration is required. Please contact Jillian Tonelli with any questions.

This program meets the requirements of the Board of Registration in Nursing, at 244 CMR 5.00, for 2.75 contact hours of nursing continuing education.

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

1. Private Funding Opportunities

Please contact Corporate & Foundation Relations in the Office of Development at devcfr@partners.org if you wish to submit a proposal in response to any of these funding opportunities. Note that proposals are still routed through the standard InfoEd/Research Management process.

• Research Grant Program, Cerebral Palsy International Research Foundation (CPIRF)
• Ethel and Jack Hausman Clinical Research Scholars Award, Cerebral Palsy International Research Foundation (CPIRF)
• Professional Development and Education, Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA)/PVA Education Foundation
• NMF Victor A. McKusick Fellowship Program, National Marfan Foundation (NMF)
• Research Fellowship Grant (RFG), Foundation for Anesthesia Education and Research (FAER)
• Mentored Research Training Grant - Basic Science (MRTG-BS), Foundation for Anesthesia Education and Research (FAER)
• Research in Education Grant (REG), Foundation for Anesthesia Education and Research (FAER)
• Mentored Research Training Grant - Clinical and Translational Science (MRTG-CT), Foundation for Anesthesia Education and Research (FAER)

Please click here for further details on these funding opportunities.

2. NIH Update for Week Ending December 13, 2013

For the latest National Institutes of Health notices, requests for applications, and program announcements, follow this link: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/WeeklyIndex.cfm

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Reminders of recently posted funding opportunities, deadlines and events

Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) Deadlines
-Young Investigator Award, Deadline: December 16, 2013 - Apply Now!
-Epidemiology Grants, Deadline: December 16, 2013 - Apply Now!

Charles A. King Trust Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Program
Application deadline: December 16, 2013

Top 10 Clinical Research Achievement Awards - Nominations are now being accepted!
Nomination Deadline: January 3, 2014

Barancik Prize for Innovation in MS Research
Nomination Deadline: January 31, 2014

2014 Damon Runyon Clinical Investigator Award
Application Deadline: February 17, 2014

Research Staff Appreciation Day - January 21, 2014

Research Nurse Book Club: RN Roundtable - January 28, 2014