CCOS is pleased to announce a new series of hub highlights featuring the innovative clinical and translational science coming out of the CTSA Program. We will feature groundbreaking work from each hub in the CTSA program over the coming months, selected at random. Our third hub under the metaphorical microscope is the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) Institute for Translational Sciences (ITS).
One of the unique strengths of the UTMB ITS is the hub’s history in team science – it was the very first hub awarded CTSA program funds that focused on the use of multidisciplinary teams to advance translational science. The primary mission of the UTMB hub is to foster multidisciplinary collaboration, bringing together a wide array of researchers to advance translational research through team-based approaches. This approach is designed to keep pace with the evolving landscape of scientific research, which increasingly demands a convergence of varied expertise and perspectives.
The CCOS team spoke with one of the key figures in this initiative, Randall Urban, M.D., who has been instrumental in advancing team science at his hub. With the help of consultant Kevin Wooten, Ph.D., who is trained in business principles of team building, the hub has successfully applied these techniques to scientific research. This has resulted in the formation of multidisciplinary groups that collaborate across different departments within their own institution, and led to the development of new relationships with external partners.
Alliance Science
Building on the foundation of team science, the UTMB ITS has expanded its approach from team science to “alliance science.” This concept involves forming alliances between multiple institutions, each contributing unique strengths and resources to the collective effort. Unlike traditional models, where one institution may dominate, alliance science ensures that each member is equally important, fostering a more balanced and synergistic collaboration. The UTMB ITS is currently a member of the Greater Gulf Coast Translational Science Alliance (GGCTSA) alongside three other prominent institutions, located in Houston:
Texas Southern University (TSU): As one of the nation’s largest Historically Black Colleges and Universities, TSU brings new and exciting capacities through its College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. This partnership demonstrates the type of symbiotic relationship that is essential to alliance science, as UTMB does not have a pharmacy school.
University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL): Known for its expertise as a minority-serving institution for Latinos and its proximity to NASA, this university contributes engineering expertise and a well-developed theater program that aids in the hub’s community engagement efforts through novellas and plays, which are often underutilized by scientific institutions but can be incredibly effective methods to build relationships with local communities.
Houston Methodist: This large private health system and academic medical center with a clinical and translational research institute is one of the largest healthcare providers in the Houston-Galveston region and focuses on transitions of proof-of-concept medical research into clinical use.
The alliance science model allows these institutions to collaborate on projects without being bound to UTMB, selecting the best-suited leaders for each initiative and leveraging the strengths of each partner. “This approach has led to a synergistic effect, enabling the alliance to do so many more things and achieve a greater impact,” says Dr. Urban.
The alliance is also making significant strides in workforce development. A new internship program for recent graduates, launched in collaboration with Houston Methodist, provides hands-on experience in translational careers such as research compliance, research ethics and integrity, and clinical trial coordination. Additionally, UTMB serves as an internship site for UHCL digital media studies students, who will assist with the forthcoming GGCTSA website.
Impact on the Local Community
The alliance’s work has had a profound positive impact on the local community. One notable initiative is the development of clinical trial capabilities in nonhomogeneous neighborhoods. UTMB has helped TSU hire research coordinators and educate them on conducting clinical trials and community engagement. This effort includes setting up the necessary infrastructure for clinical trials, such as compliance, risk management, and clinical trials management systems.
In collaboration with UHCL and community organizations, the hub has produced community-oriented improvisational theater performances centered around diseases, effectively reaching and educating the community. The UTMB ITS has also established SCI Cafés, informal discussions where UTMB scientists engage with the community at local coffee shops to discuss translational science and address misinformation. Currently, there are four unique SCI Café series taking place across the Houston-Galveston region. One SCI Café series is dedicated specifically towards teens, and aims to educate and inspire young scientists. Additionally, the hub also holds Community Engagement Studios to give researchers an opportunity to get direct feedback on planned or ongoing studies from patients, other stakeholders, and community groups.
These efforts provide a balanced perspective on health information and ensure that the hub’s (and its alliance science partners’) research is aligned with community needs and values.
The UTMB ITS's innovative approach to translational science, through alliance science, has set a new standard for collaborative research. By leveraging the strengths of multiple institutions and engaging with the community, the hub has made significant strides in advancing translational science and improving health outcomes. As Dr. Urban and his team continue to advance the capabilities of scientific collaboration, their work serves as a model for other hubs and research institutions.
