UTMB Announcements for 3/6/2026

Multicenter, Open-Label, Randomized Study of Nipocalimab or IVIG in Pregnancies At Risk of Fetal and Neonatal Alloimmune Thrombocytopenia (FNAIT) FREESIA-3

What is the purpose of the study?

The purpose of this study is to assess the safety and efficacy of an investigational medication in pregnancies at risk for FNAIT.

The FREESIA-3 clinical trial is enrolling participants who:

• Are 18 to 45 years old

• Are pregnant with an estimated gestational age (based on ultrasound) from week 8 to

18 ^6/7

• Have a history of at least 1 prior pregnancy with FNAIT

Additional eligibility criteria will be assessed by the study team.

All participants in the clinical trial will be reimbursed for study required travel and receive study required medical care at no cost and reimbursement for their participation. 

Please contact the study team at obgynrsu@utmb.edu

In addition to the CTSA-supported Multi-Institutional Collaborative Translational Studio (MiCTS), investigators can also access free consultations through the NIH-NCATS Trial Innovation Network (TIN) for PI-initiated, multi-site clinical trials.

TIN is a national infrastructure supported by the CTSA program that connects investigators with experts in multi-site trial design, operations, and recruitment. Whether you’re developing a new study or troubleshooting recruitment challenges, this service can provide tailored guidance and resources.

What to expect:
• Brief intake call to assess needs
• 1–2 consultations with domain experts
• Written recommendations and resource referrals
• Optional comprehensive consultation for proposal development

💡 Investigators are encouraged to leverage both services—the MiCTS for institutional guidance and TIN consultation for national multi-site expertise.

Submit a proposal through the TIN website to get started:

https://trialinnovationnetwork.org/elements/trial-innovation-network-proposal-process/

Don’t leave trial success to chance — expert support is available at no cost!

The Women’s Resource Group (WRG) at UTMB is pleased to announce that nominations are now open for the 2026 WRG Trailblazer Award. This annual recognition honors an exceptional leader who champions and advocates for women’s empowerment, advancement, and professional development across our institution.

We invite you to nominate an individual who exemplifies outstanding achievement, promotes opportunity for others, and uplifts the voices of women at UTMB.

Nomination Form: https://utmb.us/f50
Deadline: Monday, March 9, 2026

SAVE THE DATE- Winner be recognized at this event.
WRG Women’s History Month
Event: Thursday, March 26, 2026 | 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Location: Levin Hall Dining Room

If you have any questions, please email wrg@utmb.edu.

Thank you for helping us recognize and celebrate the leaders who make a meaningful impact on women’s advancement at UTMB.

Are you interested in being part of WRG? Join Here 👉 https://utmb.us/f4w

• Google Chrome is recommended, but any browser should work provided Flash in enabled.
• If paying by PO, select “Pay with PO#”. Please do not include taxes when paying with a PO. Please get with your department’s administrative support for assistance with submitting your PO.
• If paying online, select “Pay Online”.
• Your email address is required to receive a confirmation.
• To avoid late fees, orders must be submitted by March 29, 2026.

NOW TAKING APPOINTMENTS!

 Need help designing your research study? Assistance in generating or retrieving data?

Guidance with the analysis of your collected data? Other biostatistics, bioinformatics, or health informatics assistance?

 Highly qualified experts in these areas are available for consultation at NO COST* during the

 Institute for Translational Sciences

Biostatistics & Bioinformatics Studio

* Additional services are available; fees may apply.

 3rd Monday of each month

1:00pm-2:00pm

6.110 Research Building 6

Consultations are by appointment only.

To schedule: https://utmb.us/8e2

The UTMB Alumni Field House is hosting its 4th annual Field Day on Saturday, 3/21/26 from 10am-1:00pm. We are located at 215 Holiday Drive. The first 125 people to check in will receive a t-shirt! We will have games, group class demonstrations, door prizes, food and a DJ at the pool, and a sign up for 10-minute chair massages. We will also have UTMB department/community vendors and Field House tours. The door prizes will be for free massages, items from the UTMB Campus Store, free memberships and guest passes to the Field House for UTMB employees/retires as well as Shriners and TDCJ employees. We hope to see you there. Please share with your friends! 

Digital accessibility requests are on the rise and as we strive for a measured response we've created two new offerings in Ivanti.  You can navigate to the new Digital Accessibility category and select from the following: 

• Digital accessibility review: Use this offering to submit an ACR/VPAT or get a document, website, or third-party application reviewed for digital accessibility and Title II compliance.
• Digital accessibility training request: Use this offering if you'd like to schedule a training for your department or team.

Need individual training,? Complete the Level Access account request form for a free account. 

The Federal government and the State of texas both have new laws regarding compliant digital content, learn more about digital accessibility today!

Note: You will need to Login to the Academy to register, still need an account? Use out account request form.

March 2026 Digital Accessibility Webinars

Accessibility for Developers - Flow

Accessible user experiences take into account how an assistive technology user navigates across a UI. In this session, we'll explore the importance of a user journey or "flow," keyboard accessibility, and focus order management.

Date: March 3rd, 2026, at 12pm CST

Register now for Accessibility for Developers - Flow

Accessibility for Testers Quick Start

This course introduces QA testers to an accessibility testing methodology and the importance of performing both automated and manual testing to ensure a product meets accessibility guidelines.

Date: March 10th, 2026, at 12pm CST

Register now for Accessibility for Testers Quick Start

CPACC Review Session

Join our CPACC-certified expert to answer any and all questions you have about taking the CPACC and any questions about topics covered in CPACC.

This session will be hosted in a Q&A format and will cover every topic in the CPACC exam. It's recommended at least 50% of the CPACC Exam Prep is completed before attending this session.

Date: March 11th, 2026, at 12pm CST

Register now for CPACC Review Session

Accessible PDF Documents

PDF Accessibility is one of the biggest pain points for assistive technology users on the web. This session will delve into the Adobe Acrobat Pro accessibility tools and provide an overview of how to create basic accessible PDF documents.

Date: March 17th, 2026, at 12pm CST

Register now for Accessible PDF Documents

Captions, Transcripts, and Audio Description

This session will provide attendees with an introduction to video accessibility. Attendees will learn what it takes to make a video accessible and will learn the difference between captions (open vs. closed), transcripts, and audio descriptions.

Date: March 24th, 2026, at 12pm CST

Register now for Captions, Transcripts, and Audio Description

Accessibility for Customer Service

Inclusive customer support starts with knowing your customers – and their specific needs. In this session, we will look at accessibility needs for Customer Service teams, ranging from understanding common terminology and etiquette to the laws and regulations specific to addressing your customer’s accessibility needs.

Date: March 31st, 2026, at 12pm CST

Register now for Accessibility for Customer Service

According to new Federal requirements, you may receive a copy of your Form 1095-C upon request. This means that UTMB is no longer required to automatically furnish you with a 1095-C. If you live in California, New Jersey, Rhode Island, or Washington, DC, these same Federal requirements do not apply to you, and UTMB will mail a paper form unless you have opted to receive electronically.

Active Employees

If you are an active employee and would like a copy of your Form 1095-C, log in to the UTMB Employee Benefits Portal here. From your Benefits page, select Quick Links in the upper-right corner and then click on Your Current 1095-C Form to download it electronically.

Former Employees/Retirees

If you are no longer employed by UTMB or have retired and would like to request a copy of your Form 1095-C, you may access our external portal here. You will be required to authenticate your identity by logging in with a username and password.

If you have any questions about obtaining your 1095-C, please contact Benefits Services at:

• (409) 772-2630
• (866) 966-8862
• benefits.services@utmb.edu

Interested in contributing to important blood platelet research?

Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch want to learn more about how mechanical force regulates platelet function, and whether mechanobiology can be used to better treat arterial thrombosis.

This study may be a good fit for you if:

You are at least 18 years old and non-pregnant (if a woman).

No history of trypanophobia or anemia.

What’s involved?

Only 1 visit in total, for about 20 minutes, where you will have a small-amount blood donation.

The collected blood volume will be 3-30 ml (venous blood draw).

There is no cost to you and you will be compensated for your time and participation.

This study is not testing any drugs or treatments.

The research will take place at the 5th floor of Waverly Smith Pavilion, Jennie Sealy Hospital.

Background

The Institute for Human Infections and Immunity is pleased to announce the Award for Excellence in Research & Scholarship for FY2026. The award will recognize outstanding research and scholarly achievements in the field of infections and immunity. The award, while focused on excellence in original research, also honors leadership in the scientific community and exceptional mentoring of trainees. We trust the award will provide visibility throughout the University and appreciation for the excellent research and scholarship among IHII members.

The award includes a $2000 research award. Awardee will be featured at the IHII symposium and requested to give a 30-minute talk focusing on their research program.

Schedule

Nominations Due March 17, 2026

Review Completed March 20, 2026

Awardees notified March 24, 2026

Announcement of Awards at the McLaughlin Colloquium April 17, 2026

Eligibility

The IHII Executive Committee seeks the most outstanding early-stage investigators for this recognition in the field of infections and immunity. At the time of nomination, individuals must have at least two (2) years of faculty service at UTMB. Both tenure track as well as non-tenure track faculty at the rank of Assistant Professor are eligible, as well as Associate Professor who are fewer than two (2) years at this rank.

Nomination

Nominators must be UTMB faculty members, who are actively engaged in research, and may not submit more than one nomination in a fiscal year. Self-nomination is allowed.

What to submit

Letter of nomination of no more than two pages that includes a) summary of the accomplishments and/or recent important findings of the nominee from the curriculum vitae (CV), and b) significance and scope of contribution(s) in the nominee’s field.

The nominee’s current CV.

Though not a requirement, a supporting letter from an individual knowledgeable about the nominee’s achievements is highly encouraged.

Where to submit

Please name your file as “Last_First_Name of nominee.pdf.” Please send the material as a single pdf file to McLaughlin.IHII (mclaughlin.ihii@utmb.edu)

Award criteria

All packages will be reviewed by IHII Executive Committee. Each candidate will be rated on criteria relevant to their discipline. Examples (not exhaustive) include grants, key roles in significant projects, national/international awards, patents, peer-reviewed publications, invited/keynote presentations, and other measures of scientific impact and leadership.

Creating digitally accessible content is required by law, but has other benefits:

• Technology works better (search engine optimization (SEO), site structure, performance).
• Accessible content expands our audience and patient base (25-30%).

Here are some resources to get you started:

• Join the Digital Accessibility User Group on Microsoft Teams -- a great place to ask questions and share resources!
• Request an account to take free, on-demand courses from Level Access (will take a day or two.)