Clinical Translational Core

Sara Jane Webb, Ph.D.
Director, sjwebb@uw.edu

Overview

The Clinical Translational Core (CTC) functions as a service to IDDRC scientists to organize, integrate, and promote the use of translational research resources. To accomplish this, IDDRC resources are made available through: (1) the Behavioral Evaluation Center (BEC) component; (2) the Human Subjects Research Support (HSRS) component; and (3) the Translational Research Educational Program (TREP) component. Specific resources for each component are described below. CTC services are integrated through joint planning and implementation by the Core’s Director with most CTC resources located throughout the UW Health Sciences Complex.

Core Services

Specific services are as follows:

1. (1) Facilitate and advance human characterization studies and clinical trials by providing: (a) supports including state-of-the-art behavioral phenotyping recording studios; (b) a behavioral coding infrastructure; (c) consultation and training in standardized and experimental assessment and outcome measures; and (d) facilities to promote innovative understanding of individuals and families with IDD including an eye tracking, a physical movement, and a facial and head dysmorphology assessment facility.
2. (2) Further facilitate human subject research studies by providing resources utilizing IDDRC cores and ITHS and related UW resources in support of: (a) applications and interactions with the institutional review board; (b) biomedical information and electronic health records; (c) clinical database development and management; (d) study subject recruitment and retention; (e) biostatistics; (f) research coordination; (g) regulatory review; and (h) community outreach.
3. (3) Promote translational research through a targeted program for IDDRC research groups focusing on a common set of translational issues and promote research collaborations among basic scientists, clinical researchers, practicing clinicians, family groups, and industry partners working with genetically defined subgroups of IDD to facilitate translational science and dissemination in this area.

To optimally support these objectives, the CTC is organized into 3 components:

Behavioral Evaluation Center (BEC)

Human Subjects Research Support (HSRS)

Translational Research Educational Program (TREP)