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The Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS) welcomed over 80 trainees, scholars, mentors, and institutional leaders from across the CCTS Partner Network for the 2025 CCTS Summer Jamboree on July 17th. Hosted at the Marnix E. Heersink Institute for Biomedical Innovation Conference Center on the campus of the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), the half-day event offered participants a dynamic in-person experience filled with networking, skill-building, and practical insight into research resources and career pathways.

From the opening welcome to the final rotation of resource stations, the Summer Jamboree spotlighted CCTS’s commitment to fostering the next generation of clinical and translational researchers. The event featured hands-on, interactive sessions and provided space for attendees to connect across career stages and institutions.

A Day Full of Insight and Engagement

The event began with an ACTion Learning event titled “Making it Work: Building Better Mentoring Bonds,” facilitated by Cari Oliver. Through a unique, theater-based model, the session offered practical takeaways on navigating the challenges and opportunities of mentoring relationships.

Participants then heard from a panel of CCTS alumni who shared their career journeys and insights on navigating academic and industry paths after training. Attendees rotated through breakout rooms focused on postdoctoral opportunities and industry careers, engaging directly with alumni from Auburn University, UAB, and institutions including Johns Hopkins and Xeris Pharmaceuticals.

The morning wrapped up with a showcase of CCTS’s diverse research support resources. Leaders across domains—ranging from informatics and biostatistics to communications and the CCTS Bionutrition Unit—led rotating stations to answer questions, offer demos, and connect attendees with tools to advance their work.

Highlighting Future Talent

In addition to CCTS-supported K12 Mentored Scholars and T32 Postdoctoral Fellows in Dissemination and Implementation science, this year’s attendees included undergraduate students from the KUH Kidney Undergraduate Research Experience (KURE) and incoming graduate and medical students in the PROMOTE summer research program. These early-stage trainees—hailing from institutions across the U.S.—represent a vibrant pipeline of emerging talent exploring translational science through immersive, mentored experiences. Trainees currently supported by the CCTS Predoctoral Clinical/Translational Research Program (T32) also attended, further underscoring the depth of early-career investigators preparing to lead research that addresses health challenges in the Deep South. Together, these programs introduce students at all levels to the principles of translational science and the real-world impact of team-based research.

“These programs bring together curious, capable students and connect them with mentors, projects, and experiences that shape their future,” said event organizer Jennifer S. Pollock, PhD, Endowed Professor of Nephrology. “It’s always inspiring to see how these trainees light up when they see the wide range of opportunities available through the CCTS.”

Looking Ahead

The Jamboree served as a powerful reminder of the strength of collaboration across the CCTS Partner Network and the importance of creating spaces for researchers to connect, reflect, and grow. Whether sharing a conversation over coffee or discovering a new learning opportunity, participants left the event better equipped to move forward in their research journeys.

To revisit event highlights and explore photos, click through our 2025 Summer Jamboree Gallery below (click here to view all photos). For updates on future training opportunities and events, connect with the CCTS on LinkedIn and subscribe to the weekly CCTS Digest.

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