Mastering Collaborative Research Leadership
Recognizing the increasingly team-oriented nature of clinical investigation, the CCTS Training Academy has created the RISE Leadership Course to develop the scientific and organizational leaders of the future. Over 10 weeks and using a more immersive, experiential structure, RISE is designed primarily for clinical research staff professionals who wish to play more prominent leadership roles in the conduct of research.
In-Person Training, Mondays (from Sept. 14 to Nov. 16, 2026),
1-3pm
Participating Institutions
- Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (LSUHSC)
- Tulane University
- University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa)
- University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) (ALGEN 401)
Participants should be employees of one of these institutions and/or be able to attend in-person classes at a listed site.
Learning Objectives
- Fundamental Concepts of Leadership -Project leadership and teamwork, delegation and accountability and Navigating circumstances with diplomacy
- Interpersonal Effectiveness - Emotional Intelligence, Communications and Biases
- Trust Building - Critical conversations, Inclusive Intelligence and Conflict Management
- Building a Community of Practice - Clinical and Translational Science, Managing Up and Networking
Who should attend RISE?
The target audience for RISE includes clinical research staff professionals at a Sr. Coordinator, Manager or Director level or with five (5) or more years of related experience. Participants frequently play a role in clinical research administration, coordination and project management, regulatory management, data management, study recruitment, quality oversight or specialized study expertise (e.g., research pharmacy, bionutrition).
How to Apply
Candidates must submit (1) a current CV or resume, (2) a completed application form and (3) a signed letter from their supervisor (download template here) to apply for this training. Applications missing any of these components will be deemed incomplete and will not be considered.
Deadline: Wednesday, July 15, 2026, 5pm CT
Participants must attend at least 80% of the classes to earn a certificate of completion.
Leadership Resources
- Primal Leadership by Daniel Goleman
- Management Time: Don’t take the Monkey by William Oncken, Jr. and Donald L. Wass
- More Leadership Resources Coming Soon
Curriculum
| SESSION | DATE | TOPICS |
| Session 1 | September 14 | Leading with Insight – DISC assessment tool |
| Session 2 | September 21 | Fundamental Concept of Leadership – Introduction |
| Session 3 | September 28 | Interpersonal Effectiveness – Self-Awareness |
| Session 4 | October 5 | Interpersonal Effectiveness – Self-Work |
| Session 5 | October 12 | Fundamental Concepts of Leadership – Leading Teams |
| Session 6 | October 19 | Trust Building – Trust and Trustworthiness |
| Session 7 | October 26 | Trust Building – Change Agency |
| Session 8 | November 2 | Principles in Practice – Human Resources for Leaders |
| Session 9 | November 9 | Building a Community of Practice – Leading CTS Programs |
| Session 10 | November 16 | Building a Community of Practice – Growth as a Leader |
Questions?
Dunia Ritchey (dfritchey@uabmc.edu) or CReSt Education (CReStTraining@uabmc.edu)