News

The Appalachian region faces unique health challenges shaped by geography, economic conditions, healthcare access and longstanding health concerns. At the ATRN 2026 Annual Health Summit at The Ohio State University, community members, researchers, faculty, healthcare professionals and public health partners came together to share knowledge, build connections and explore community-driven approaches to improving health throughout Appalachia.

Clinical research professionals (CRPs) and workforce development leaders from Ohio's three CTSA institutions gathered for Elevate: Advanced Clinical Research Symposium 2026, a collaborative event focused on strengthening the clinical and translational research workforce across the state. Hosted at The Ohio State University, the symposium provided a forum for experienced clinical research professionals to explore emerging trends, share best practices and build connections and collaboration across the institutions.

The Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) invites faculty to express interest in serving on the CTSI Review Standing Committee for the 2026–2027 academic year.

CTSI program RAPTIC (Research Accelerator Program to Translate, Innovate and Commercialize) successfully hosted its inaugural Pitch Competition on Aug. 31, bringing together faculty, researchers and industry representatives from across The Ohio State University and the broader Ohio entrepreneurial ecosystem, including representatives from Ohio Venture Pipeline, Rev1 Ventures, R1 Capital, CincyTech and the Ohio Technology Consortium. The event highlighted RAPTIC’s mission to accelerate translational research and support the development of technologies with real-world impact. 

A new publication in the Journal of Clinical and Translational Science titled, “A Data Navigation Model to Improve Access to Research Data Resources in Clinical and Translational Science,” authored by Neena Thomas, Ayse Odabas, Soledad Fernandez, Lang Li and Julie A. Johnson, describes Ohio State’s novel approach to supporting researchers through a dedicated Data Navigator who serves as a centralized entry point for data-related inquiries.

Dr. Micah Skeens is a Principal Investigator at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and an Associate Professor at The Ohio State University whose research focuses on improving care for children with cancer through community-engaged and technology-enabled approaches. A nationally recognized leader, she has led federally funded studies developing digital health and AI tools to improve treatment adherence, symptom management and family support. With more than 27 years at Nationwide Children’s, over 120 publications and recognition as a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, Dr. Skeens is dedicated to advancing patient-centered research and improving health outcomes for children and families.

A multi-institutional proposal co-led by The Ohio State University Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) Workforce Development Program has been selected for Cycle XVI of the Clinical and Translational Science (CTSA) Working Groups.

The Ohio State University Clinical and Translational Science Institute, in collaboration with the College of Nursing, Nationwide Children’s Hospital and partner institutions, wrapped up the second annual Next STEPP Summer Camp in June 2026. Next STEPP is an innovative summer camp designed to introduce high school students to careers in clinical research.

The ranking highlights the university's strength in translating biomedical research into real-world impact. This recognition is further reinforced by the work of the Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) and Dr. Julie Johnson's leadership as director of the CTSI.