The Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences at UTHealth Houston has secured a $55.5 million grant from the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, an agency of the National Institutes of Health, extending its funding through 2031. The continuation of funding into the Clinical and Translational Sciences Awards (CTSA) Program’s fourth grant cycle underscores the center’s pivotal role in advancing clinical and translational research across Texas.
As one of the three Texas Medical Center institutions among the inaugural class of recipients of the Clinical and Translational Science Award in 2006, which launched the Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences, UTHealth Houston has paved the way in translating laboratory discoveries into practical patient treatments.
Kevin A. Morano, PhD, senior vice president of Academic and Faculty Affairs and the Roger J. Bulger, MD, Distinguished Professor at UTHealth Houston, highlighted the center’s significant contributions. “Maintaining funding for so long is not only a badge of honor but also a testament to our leadership in clinical and translational research,” Morano said. “It’s about building and sustaining partnerships that can drive meaningful change in health care.”
The center’s network spans several institutions, covering a catchment area of approximately 23,000 square miles and serving more than 16 million residents. This extensive collaboration facilitates a wide range of research, from molecular studies to public health initiatives.
“Early on, our focus was on foundational science and initial clinical research,” Morano said. “Today, our work spans all stages of translational research, ultimately aiming to improve patient outcomes directly in clinical settings.”
A key component of the Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences’ success is its statewide collaboration, engaging partners across Texas. This has allowed the center to act as a control center, channeling resources, training, and expertise to various regions including underserved areas such as El Paso, Tyler, and Brownsville.
McPherson leading the charge
As the Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences looks to the future, principal investigator McPherson is a central figure in its operations. McPherson is chair and professor of the Department of Internal Medicine at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston where he also holds multiple distinguished chairs. He was recently appointed vice president for Clinical and Translational Sciences at UTHealth Houston.
McPherson was instrumental in UTHealth Houston securing three cycles of CTSA Program awards establishing the institution’s prominence in academic medicine. His efforts have brought together 11 principal investigators and over 100 clinicians researchers and staff from six partner institutions successfully meeting NIH's evolving requirements.
“Dr. McPherson has been the driving force that has maintained our status for 17 years,” Morano said. “His tenacity allows us to continue to do fantastic work serving the state. He has been the glue.”
McPherson highlighted their unique role: “We are the only program for 16 million people in Texas spanning from northeast Texas through Houston down to Rio Grande over to El Paso,” he said.
Looking ahead they plan expanding outreach including all counties South Texas bringing trials within 30 minutes every resident working with Texas Regional CTSA Consortium developing trials small communities ensuring broader access research."
Community engagement is essential to their success," McPherson added emphasizing collective effort trust mission transformation health."
María Fernández PhD vice president Population Health Implementation Science founding co-director Institute Implementation Science focuses translating discoveries practices addressing logistical challenges ensuring innovations reach communities addressing inequities."
Signature achievements
During COVID-19 pandemic existing infrastructure facilitated rapid response contributions understanding combating virus gaining national recognition particularly conducting convalescent plasma trial highest enroller country."
Leading CONTAIN COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma trial consortium enrolled subjects eight months contributing major programs leveraging varied population base."
Other initiatives include Cameron County Hispanic Cohort tracking individuals measuring chronic disease burdens securing grants collaborations uniting hubs advancing programs facilitating reciprocity agreement supporting studies pioneering protocol analytics enhancing efficiency multiple institutions."
Training next generation
Emphasizing mentoring workforce development T32 grant supports junior researchers postdoctoral fellows training initiatives enhance skills professionals K12 training program provides career development early faculty resources partner institutions graduates achieving federal funding becoming leaders academic medicine."
"Training next generation scientists crucial facing unprecedented challenges healthcare technology evolving record pace designed equip students trainees skills needed become professionals leaders," Morano noted.'
Their commitment evident high school programs funded fostering interest preparing careers field growing stability innovation driving advancements transforming health beyond."'
“The strength program allows taking jobs responsibilities ensuring delivering high-quality mentorship” McPherson concluded.'"
With ongoing innovative efforts secured funding well positioned leader driving advancements transforming health beyond.'"
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