The Southern California Clinical and Translational Science Institute (SC CTSI) has been serving the research community at USC and Children's Hospital Los Angeles since 2008, providing services to help increase the success of clinical and translational studies. In the decade since its establishment, SC CTSI directors have continued to develop an ever-expanding range of training, consulting, clinical, funding and other resources.

But many clinical and translational scientists in the USC and CHLA research community are unaware how the SC CTSI can help advance their research and careers. At two "Pop-Up Superstore" events in August and September—one at CHLA and another at the USC Health Science Campus—researchers got a chance to meet and talk with representatives of the SC CTSI. They also heard from a panel of other researchers who have benefitted from SC CTSI assistance—all with a goal to enable researchers to leave with tangible services and connections.

On hand to discuss the SC CTSI were Institute directors Tom Buchanan, MD, and Michele Kipke, PhD, as well as other representatives and program directors from the organization.

Approximately 45 USC and CHLA researchers attended the two Pop-Up Superstores—many of whom were unfamiliar with the many benefits available to them at the SC CTSI. "Thanks for reaching out to the medical community via email—I otherwise would not have been aware of the resources you offer!"

Other investigators voiced similar surprise at the breadth of SC CTSI resources: 

• "Coming to this event made it easier for me to understand the type of services the SC CTSI has to offer.”
• "The SC CTSI website has a lot of information, but the Pop-Up was still extremely helpful.” 
• "I had some idea of what SC CTSI offered but putting names with faces helped—I now have a better idea what next steps I need to take." 

Services and resources offered by the SC CTSI include consulting in regulatory science, biostatistics, study design, digital and non-digital participant recruitment. The SC CTSI also provides clinical research support, study coordinators, research nurses, access to patient data and records from EMR/EHR  resources, NIH grant reviews and funding for pilot studies. Also offered are extensive training and career development for early-career investigators—among many other services.

For questions on a specific SC CTSI service or for more information, please call (323) 442-CTSA or contact info@sc-ctsi.org. You may also visit the SC CTSI's website at https://sc-ctsi.org.