OTS News & Events

The inaugural Office of Team Science Pilot Program launched in November, uniting expertise across all five UTMB schools to tackle global health challenges and redefine UTMB’s role in advancing global health. The program received an exceptional response, with 19 diverse proposals submitted in December. In January, a multidisciplinary review committee selected six standout projects for funding through FY25, covering topics like antimicrobial resistance diagnostics, AI-driven mobility, vaccine implementation, burn wound healing, care for children with disabilities, and stroke bioassay development. Congratulations to the inaugural Team Science Pilot Program grant recipients!

In January 2025, UTMB hosted two dynamic events to ignite bold ideas and collaborations in global health. The UTMB Global Health Retreat gathered institutional leaders for an exciting exploration of a potential Global Health Institute. The retreat buzzed with vibrant discussions on strategic priorities, resource needs, and innovative approaches to elevate UTMB’s global health mission. A few days later, the UT System Global Health Forum brought together representatives from eight UT System institutions for a powerhouse day of coordination and strategic planning. Energized sessions explored expanding into new global regions, building cross-campus collaborations, and forming a new UT System Global Health Working Group. Both events culminated with actionable priorities and a shared excitement to drive UTMB and UT System’s global health initiatives forward.

In this episode of The Pulse, Dr. Antonio Bianco and Dr. Alan Landay share insights on building a culture of research excellence at UTMB. Dr. Bianco discusses his thyroid research, while Dr. Landay outlines his vision for fostering collaboration across disciplines. Both emphasize the importance of a robust research infrastructure to drive scientific innovation and improve patient outcomes. The conversation reflects UTMB's commitment to advancing research and clinical excellence.

Members from the Office of Team Science attended the meeting to support and enhance collaboration between UTMB and the Ministry of Health in Guyana. Their participation focused on exploring opportunities for healthcare infrastructure improvement, workforce development, and research initiatives. By attending, they contributed expertise in areas such as disease prevention, telemedicine, and HIV treatment protocols, while also identifying potential areas for training, capacity building, and sustainable public health strategies. Their involvement aimed to foster a deeper partnership and contribute to the overall goals of advancing public health in Guyana.

The FY25 Team Science Pilot Program at UTMB is soliciting proposals for collaborative research projects focused on Global Health. This funding opportunity emphasizes interdisciplinary partnerships spanning at least two UTMB schools or institutes, with a preference for those involving three or more. The program seeks innovative, translational research that addresses global health challenges, from basic science through clinical and community applications. Proposals should prioritize team science, bring new collaborations to life, and help early-career investigators build research portfolios to support future grant applications.

The October HIV Symposium, hosted by the Office of Team Science, highlighted UTMB’s commitment to advancing HIV research from bench to bedside to community. Engaging all five UTMB schools, the symposium featured over 12 distinguished speakers, 25 poster presentations, and over 140 registered attendees. This dynamic event showcased groundbreaking research, clinical innovations, and community-focused strategies, fostering vibrant discussions and cross-disciplinary collaborations to drive progress in HIV care and prevention.

Dr. Alan Landay's career is built on curiosity and collaboration. Over his distinguished career, he has advanced HIV research, aging studies, and clinical trials. His global impact includes leadership in international health research initiatives, especially with the NIH-funded Advancing Clinical Therapeutics Network. His collaborative approach and commitment to improving global health have made him a prominent figure in the scientific community, leading to his recent appointment as UTMB’s Vice President for Team Science.

Members from the Office of Team Science hosted leaders from across UT System for an inaugural meeting focused on enhancing collaboration in global health. Participants shared key initiatives, explored best practices in international affairs and research security, and laid the groundwork for ongoing cooperation to strengthen global health efforts system-wide.

Dr. Alan Landay has joined UTMB as Vice President of Team Science, effective February 1, 2024. In this role, he will foster collaborations between UTMB and other institutions globally. Landay brings over 40 years of expertise in HIV research and aging-related studies, having led efforts in clinical trials, HIV care, and COVID-19 research. He has also worked extensively in international lab settings through his involvement with the NIH-funded Advancing Clinical Therapeutics Network (ACTG). His leadership will enhance UTMB's research collaborations and scientific advancements.