The Irving Institute Joins Translational Science Leaders at the 2025 CTSA Program Conference

October 22–24, 2025, Arlington, Virginia - Themed “CTSAs Leading the Way: Resilience, Innovation & Impact” the meeting brought together more than 350 leaders from across the national CTSA consortium. Key members from the Irving Institute for Clinical and Translational Research participated in three days of meetings and events to exchange ideas, share progress, and strengthen collaboration in advancing human health through innovation and partnership. 

The meeting featured a dynamic mix of general sessions, leadership forums, and poster presentations highlighting emerging priorities across the CTSA network. Discussions explored how resilience and innovation are driving progress in a rapidly changing research environment, particularly in the areas of artificial intelligence (AI), real-world data, and cross-hub collaboration.  

One of the meeting’s key sessions, “Setting the Foundation for Successful AI-Enabled Clinical Research,” examined how AI is transforming discovery and clinical care. Speakers emphasized the need for ethical standards, robust data practices, and institutional readiness to ensure technology strengthens rather than replaces human expertise.  Although NIH employees were unable to attend in person due to the federal government shutdown, the meeting continued to advance essential conversations around national research priorities, cross-hub alignment, and the future direction of the CTSA Program. Other sessions also centered on topics such as: 

• Training the next generation of biomedical scientists 

• Promoting replicable, generalizable research 

• Understanding nutrition’s role in chronic disease prevention and treatment 

• Advancing autism and HIV/AIDS research 

• Strengthening oversight of international collaborations 

• Ensuring evidence-based healthcare for children and adolescents identifying as transgender 

Dr. Shing Lee Honored with “Overall Best in Show” Award 

A highlight of the meeting - and a proud moment for the Irving Institute - was Dr. Shing Lee, Professor of Biostatistics and Director of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Research Design (BERD) Resource, receiving the “Overall Best in Show” award at the CTSA Program Poster Session, “Innovative Hub Projects Advancing Clinical and Translational Science.” 

Her poster, “Web Applications for Conduct of Novel Adaptive Clinical Trial Designs and Data Visualization,” showcased 14 custom web applications that streamline data quality checks, enhance visualization, and simplify adaptive trial design. By combining user-friendly digital tools with advanced statistical methods, Dr. Lee’s work demonstrates how Columbia researchers are translating complex methodologies into scalable, practical tools that accelerate research across institutions. Full list of these applications is available on the BERD website.

Reflections from the Irving Institute 

For Freddy Perez, Events and Engagement Manager at the Irving Institute, the experience offered both inspiration and insight into the broader CTSA community: 

“Attending the CTSA Program Fall Annual Meeting was a learning experience for me. It offered a chance to witness the great work happening across the consortium, engage with the science community, and learn about innovative approaches shaping the field. I found it particularly meaningful to hear firsthand how different institutions are addressing challenges and advancing research that impacts patient care. The discussions not only broadened my understanding of current NIH priorities and translational strategies but also inspired me to think critically about how I can contribute to collaborative efforts and drive meaningful change at the Irving Institute. And it was wonderful to see Dr. Shing Lee be recognized for her amazing work!” 

Looking Ahead 

The meeting’s theme - Resilience, Innovation & Impact - echoed throughout plenary and poster sessions, underscoring how CTSA hubs are adapting to emerging challenges and driving translational science forward. Presenters emphasized adaptive leadership, data sharing, and community partnerships as essential to sustaining national progress. 

For the Irving Institute, the meeting reinforced not only its commitment to collaboration and innovation, but also its responsibility to help define the future of translational science. The discussions and recognitions throughout the event reflected the Institute’s continued role in advancing data-driven research, building partnerships, and translating scientific discoveries into better health outcomes for communities locally and nationally.