The Southern California Clinical and Translational Science (SC CTSI) Horizons program was founded in 2025 to promote a spirit of collaboration -- and to fill a critical need. Specifically, the program was designed by several faculty members with the purpose of strengthening clinical and translational research by bringing together junior, midcareer, and senior faculty members in longitudinal special interest groups.

The aim of these ongoing Special Interest Group (SIG) meetings, held largely via Zoom, is to ultimately help investigators carry out their research. Meeting formats can include a guest speaker, guided discussions, mini-talks by an expert in the field, small group breakout rooms in Zoom, brainstorming via Mural board, and presentation of works-in-progress. Additionally, there are in-person coffee socials to promote connections on a personal level as well. Overall, the groups provide structured opportunities to exchange ideas, receive expert guidance and peer feedback, and to cultivate sustained collaboration long-term.

“It has been quite interesting to have faculty from USC and CHLA come together around a shared research interest. You can see the passion and experience from senior faculty combine with excitement from junior faculty to engage and learn. The variety in background and specialties works to enhance the SIGs and bring together a focused research community,” said Mimi Kim, MD, MSc, Associate Professor of Clinical Pediatrics at the USC Keck School of Medicine and faculty lead of the SC CTSI Horizons program.

Currently, the Horizons program has advanced Qualitative Research and Clinical Trials SIGs--two areas critical to clinical and translational research. The consensus from USC and CHLA members is that this type of informal supportive space is important to stay connected, allowing USC researchers to connect with relevant pediatric collaborators, and CHLA researchers to connect with USC as their academic home for resources and collaborations.

“Turnout and enthusiasm for the two CTSI Horizons groups has surpassed our expectations, and we are thrilled,” said Tamara Simon, MD, MSPH, FAAP, CHLA site Principal Investigator and Director of SC CTSI Workforce Development. “We believe that promoting more informal, collaborative platforms for researchers around a specific methodological approach is very much needed to share resources, discuss barriers and come up with solutions in a peer model.”

In terms of evaluation, the Horizons program participants complete surveys at baseline, midpoint, and after the program to capture data regarding various short- and long-term outcomes. These include increased familiarity and engagement with SC CTSI tools and resources such as the website and Learning Management System on Brightspace, as well as new collaborations between USC and CHLA investigators.

Horizons is planning to launch a third SIG in June, with the topic area to be announced soon. To keep updated with new offerings, please visit this page.