SIREN Fellows Didactic Presentation – Speakers

SIREN Didactic Series – Call for Speakers

The SIREN Didactic Series is a monthly learning opportunity for fellows, junior faculty, and early-career investigators in clinical research and trial design. We invite experienced faculty to share their expertise through engaging, practical presentations.

Speakers can choose topics in clinical trial methodology, grant writing, leadership, trial operations, or emergency research. Sessions are 45-60 minutes and should include real-world examples and interactive elements.

Interested in presenting? See the speaker guide below for details and use the contact button below.

Help shape the next generation of clinical trialists!

Become a Speaker

Speaker Guide

Overview The SIREN Fellowship Program is designed to support the professional development of our community.  All learners in the pipeline are invited to participate in the SIREN Fellowship Didactic Series, including: students, junior faculty, fellows, staff, administrators, early-career investigators, and career investigators. Senior faculty and experienced researchers will share their insights and expertise via a monthly zoom didactic.

Purpose of the Didactic Series This series will provide fellows with knowledge and skills that will help them navigate their careers in clinical research, trial design, and academic medicine. Sessions will strive to be engaging, practical, and relevant to the development of future clinical trialists.

Speakers have the flexibility to present on topics that align with their expertise, experience, and life’s work. If there is a favorite, or particularly timely topic – these are quite salient. Topics will be reviewed with Dr. Lisa H. Merck prior to scheduling. Below are some suggested themes:

  1. Clinical Trial Design & Methodology
    • Fundamentals of randomized controlled trials (RCTs)
    • Adaptive trial designs and innovative methodologies
    • Ethical considerations in clinical trials
    • Regulatory requirements and IRB navigation
    • Special populations, EFIC, and/or WOLST
  2. Grant Writing & Funding Strategies
    • Nuances in NIH mechanisms and application strategies
    • Examples of successful grant proposals
    • Pearls on budgeting and financial management in clinical trials, from the masters (looking at you Val).
  3. Leadership & Career Development
    • Pathways to becoming a clinical trialist
    • What you learned along the way
    • Transitioning from fellow to PI: Lessons learned
    • Building collaborative research teams
    • Balancing research, clinical work, and personal life
  4. Trial Operations & Execution
    • Site selection and management, national/international; pandemic / not pandemic
    • Recruitment, engagement, and retention strategies for all populations
    • Data management and data quality assurance
    • Dissemination and implementation of MCCT results, public disclosure
  5. Special Topics in Emergency Research
    • Challenges in conducting emergency research
    • Innovative technologies in clinical trials
    • Specific lessons from large-scale multicenter trials

Format & Logistics

  • Sessions are held on the first Wednesday of the month at 1pm ET via zoom.
  • Sessions should be approximately 45-60 minutes, including time for discussion and Q&A.
  • Speakers are encouraged to incorporate real-world examples, case studies, and interactive elements where possible.

How to Get Involved If you are interested in contributing to this series as a speaker, please reach out to Courtney Miller (coraymon@umich.edu) and Lisa H. Merck (Lisa.Merck@vcuhealth.org) with a brief description of your proposed topic and availability. We appreciate your willingness to share your expertise and help shape the next generation of clinical trialists!