The university’s first Translational Science Day hosted by the Southern California Clinical and Translational Science Institute (SC CTSI) gave researchers and community leaders an opportunity to share ideas.

More than 200 members of USC and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA), along with community leaders and industry representatives, discussed topics that revolve around translational science — the process of advancing research discoveries into health applications.

“In order to develop creative solutions to complex health problems, we need to encourage faculty members across a wide range of disciplines to participate in translational research teams,” said Thomas Buchanan, director of the SC CTSI. “Hopefully events like this help demystify translational research for those who are not in the traditional health sciences and encourage all disciplines to gather around a common interest — improving human health.”

The event, which was held in November, opened with remarks from Randolph Hall, vice president for research, who set the stage by highlighting USC’s current research priorities and the university’s goal to strengthen its stature in medical research.

“Building our capacity for clinical and translational research at USC is vital,” Hall said. “This event brought together key internal and external stakeholders who participate in translational research every day.”

Attendees at the inaugural event heard presentations from renowned translational researchers.

“You’ve got to have a passion. You’ve got to get something to get you out of bed every day to say ‘I really want to do this,’ ” said morning keynote speaker Craig Jordan of Georgetown University, who delivered an inspirational presentation on his translational work developing tamoxifen — an anti-cancer treatment credited with saving the lives of more than 1 million women worldwide.

“If you’re going to do this [research], check your ego at the door because this is … really about service, and it’s about serving,” said afternoon keynote speaker Lloyd Michener of Duke University, who challenged attendees to recall the purpose and spirit of translational research.

The original story was published on USC.edu