On November 6, 2025, the Duke Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) hosted the Clinical and Translational Science Awards Retreat and UM1 grant award celebration at the Chesterfield in Durham, North Carolina. With 90 attendees from across academia, community organizations, and health leadership, the retreat embodied the theme: Trustworthy Partnerships to Improve Health Through Translational Science. The day was a vibrant showcase of collaboration, creativity, and strategic vision.
A Day Rooted in Collaboration and Innovation
The retreat opened with a team-building activity that set the tone for the day. Element and Module teams (teams supported by the CTSA grant at Duke) designed logos reflecting their unique identities and goals. These logos were proudly displayed on team badges and shared during the opening session, sparking conversation and camaraderie. In a creative twist, each logo was later transformed into an AI-generated version — capturing the spirit of each team in a visually compelling format (image below).
This spirit of creativity carried into the formal sessions, where element and module teams presented their specific aims, program structures, and long-term visions for impact. The agenda also featured highlights from the K12 program, synthesis of key takeaways, and a closing reflection session that invited all participants to share insights and aspirations. The day concluded with a celebratory networking reception, reinforcing the retreat’s focus on connection and collaboration.
Valued Partners at the Table
A hallmark of this year’s retreat was the active participation of Duke CTSI’s trusted partners: North Carolina Central University (NCCU), Durham Technical Community College, El Centro Hispano, and the Foundation for Health Leadership and Innovation. Their presence underscored the institute’s commitment to trust and community-engaged translational science. These partners contributed to discussions, shared perspectives, and helped shape the retreat’s collective vision for the future.
Three Key Takeaways
As teams synthesized their reflections, three overarching themes emerged:
- Broaden Participation: Elevate diverse expertise by including voices not yet at the table
- Collaborate Across Silos: Work across modules and disciplines for maximum impact
- Disseminate Accessibly: Share research in user-ready formats through trusted channels and translation
These takeaways will guide strategic planning across Duke CTSA’s programs in the year ahead.
Looking Ahead
The retreat was a reaffirmation of Duke CTSI’s commitment to building capacity, fostering innovation, and strengthening partnerships. By creating space for shared learning and strategic alignment, the institute continues to advance its mission of improving health through translational science.
As Duke CTSI looks forward, the retreat stands as a reminder that trustworthy partnerships are the foundation of translational science — and the key to improving health for all.