UK CCTS Hosts 2018 Appalachian Translational Research Network Summit
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 24, 2018) – The University of Kentucky Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS) hosted the annual Appalachian Translational Research Network (ATRN) Summit on Sept. 21 and 22 to discuss addressing health disparities through collaborative research.
The ATRN consists of nine academic medical institutions that collaborate to catalyze research and training efforts for improved health in the region. The UK CCTS is a founding member, with Penn State University, the Ohio State University, Ohio University, University of Cincinnati, West Virginia Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Marshall University, East Tennessee State University, and Wake Forest University as current partners.
"The purpose of the annual ATRN Summits is to provide a platform for rapid dissemination of research that addresses the significant health challenges of Appalachia. A special focus of this year’s Summit was to highlight the impact of research being conducted through ATRN inter-institutional collaborations and community-academic partnerships, as well as to provide opportunities for new collaborations to develop," said Gia Mudd-Martin, director of community engagement and research for the UK CCTS.
Nearly 150 people from nine institutions attended the two-day Summit, with 46 poster presentations. Joyce E. Balls-Berry, PhD, MPE, assistant professor of epidemiology at the Mayo Clinic, delivered a keynote talk on “Keys to Building Successful Community-Engaged Research Partnerships”. Breakout sessions and podium presentations explored a range of topics, including opioids, cancer, environmental risks, diabetes, and fostering collaborations.
"Community engagement allows us to get to the why so that we can answer our research questions in a way that is pivotal for changing the lives of those around us, in a way that builds partnerships and mutual respect, while taking into consideration the needs of those around us, not just our needs as the academics," said Bells-Berry, a professor of epidemiology.
