Description:

Guidance on Career Development Awards – Provides an overview of available VA career development grants.

Application Strategies – Offers insights into crafting a competitive CDA application, including tips on research proposals, career development plans, and mentor selection.

Personalized Feedback – Allows attendees to discuss their research ideas, draft proposals, or career plans with experienced mentors, grant reviewers, or past awardees.

Networking and Mentorship – Connects early-career professionals with senior researchers, potential collaborators, and funding agency representatives to foster long-term mentorship and support.

Navigating Career Transitions – Helps participants understand how a CDA fits into their broader career trajectory, whether in academia, industry, or other sectors.

Description:

In-depth breakout session focused on navigating the process of acquiring VA funding. This session will provide valuable insights into available funding opportunities, key application requirements, and best practices for crafting a compelling proposal. Experts will share strategies for aligning projects with VHA priorities, avoiding common pitfalls, and leveraging partnerships to enhance funding success. Whether you are new to VA funding or looking to refine your approach, this session will equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to secure support for your initiatives.

Description:

​Clinical Research Coordinators (CRCs) are at the heart of clinical trials, ensuring research is conducted ethically, efficiently, and in compliance with regulatory requirements. This breakout session will explore the evolving responsibilities of CRCs, best practices for managing studies, and strategies for career growth in the field. Topics will include patient recruitment and retention, regulatory compliance, data management, and the integration of new technologies in clinical trials. Attendees will gain insights from experienced professionals and have the opportunity to engage in discussions about the challenges and advancements shaping the role of CRCs today.

Description:

In this interactive breakout session,  laboratory animal research managers and technicians will gain practical insights in enhancing operational efficiency, ensuring compliance, and leveraging emerging technologies. Participants will use real-world examples to solve common challenges in laboratory animal management. Whether you are focused on staff training, equipment maintenance, or improving quality, this session will provide the resources you need to elevate your laboratory’s performance.