Dear Colleagues,

John KirwanSpring is a time of strategic renewal, where every new initiative and opportunity blossoms into potential success. The LA CaTS Center IDeA-CTR has experienced remarkable growth, thanks to the commitment of all our stakeholders across the state. As we have reached the midpoint of our 5-year grant cycle, I'm excited to share some of our key achievements to date:  

  1. Secured more than $335 million in extramural grant awards for Louisiana – approximately $225 million in NIH awards;
  2. Contributed more than 2,000 peer-reviewed publications and 1,300 scientific presentations;
  3. Facilitated expansion and engagement of new strategic partnerships and resources ; Examples: 1.) BMI Core collaborations and institutional partnerships (e.g., Ochsner Health) have enhanced accessibility to statewide clinical data, created virtual cohorts (e.g., breast cancer, diabetes, HIV, COVID-19), and standardized electronic medical records for research applications. These developments support LA CaTS Center pilot projects, Roadmap Scholars projects, and NIH grant submissions. 2) The awarding of the first Roadmap Scholar at LSU Health Shreveport has further strengthened this high-value institutional partnership;   
  4. Established a diverse clinical research participant population (>40% underserved representation) across the statewide network of Clinical Trial Units (CTUs);
  5. Developed and maintained highly engaged Community Advisory Boards (CAB) – strategically positioned in the New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Shreveport/North Louisiana regions. Members integrate with research teams to develop and implement clinical studies and function as advisors to investigators regarding study conceptualization, ongoing research protocols, and methodologies to enhance community engagement;
  6. Facilitated access to specialized technical services and resources through LA CaTS Center Cores for more than 900 clinical and translational scientists;
  7. Supported over 30 career advancements for current and former Roadmap and Meritorious Scholars;
  8. Delivered over 215 Clinical and Translational Training and Professional Development opportunities, engaging early-career clinicians, investigators, and community stakeholders via LA CaTS Center seminars, workshops, and virtual learning platforms; and
  9. Secured position as primary awardee or collaborator on 12 NIH supplement grants, totaling >$9.3 million (2 women's health, 1 team science, 1 vaping in HIV population, 1 electronic health records in research, and 7 COVID-related).

Through our collective expertise and institutional resources, I am confident that our achievements will continue to expand. I extend my wishes that this spring season brings renewed energy and abundant growth in all your endeavors!

John Kirwan, PhD
LA CaTS Center IDeA-CTR Director
Executive Director, Pennington Biomedical
George A. Bray, Jr. Endowed Super Chair in Nutrition