With the growth of clinical research and trials at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and to meet the evolving needs of investigators and study teams, two longstanding support programs—the UAB Department of Medicine’s Clinical Research Enterprise (CRE) and the Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS) Clinical Research Support Program (CRSP)—have merged to form the Clinical Research Support Enterprise (CReSt).

This new, unified structure brings together nearly 70 dedicated professionals to streamline services, enhance collaboration, and deliver consistent, high-quality support throughout the full clinical research lifecycle—from study startup to close-out. CReSt is built to serve investigators at UAB and across partner institutions, including Cooper Green Mercy Health, Children’s of Alabama, UAB St. Vincents, and UAB community-based clinics throughout the region.

“This merger reflects a strategic investment in the people and systems that make clinical research possible,” said Orlando Gutierrez, M.D., MMSc, senior associate dean for Clinical and Translational Research and director of the Center for Clinical and Translational Science. “By combining our infrastructure and expertise, we are better positioned to help investigators succeed and accelerate the pace of discovery.”

A unified structure, ready for growth

CReSt is organized around three operational pillars:

• Clinical research operations – Overseeing study coordination, facilities management, budget negotiations, contracting, and study start up.
• Community partnerships and education – Leading clinical research education, workforce development, and engagement at clinical partner sites.
• Business operations and systems – Overseeing regulatory affairs, financial management, reporting, and clinical research systems.

Guiding this new enterprise is Cynthia Joiner, Ph.D., MPH, R.N., assistant dean for Clinical Research Operations in the Heersink School of Medicine and executive director of the former CRE. Joiner led the creation of CRE’s shared services model and will now lead the expanded operations under CReSt.

“This merger represents a strategic opportunity to build on the strengths of both programs and extend their impact across the institution,” Joiner says. “By integrating proven practices, we are enhancing collaboration, driving innovation, and improving operational efficiency. At the core of our work is a commitment to equipping research teams with the support and tools they need to thrive in clinical research.”

Joiner will work in close collaboration with Dana Rizk, M.D., associate dean for Clinical Trials, as well as institutional partners, including the UAB Office of Research and the Academic Research Organization for Clinical Trials (ARO-CT) led by David Kimberlin, M.D., associate vice president for Clinical Trials Operations. Together, this leadership team is working to optimize processes and ensure alignment with UAB’s broader strategic priorities in clinical research.

A stronger, more aligned enterprise

The creation of CReSt strengthens UAB’s ability to deliver efficient, participant-centered, and compliant clinical research across campus and beyond. As the university continues to invest in the future of discovery, CReSt serves as a foundation for growth—supporting innovation, collaboration, and impact across Alabama and the region. Learn more about the Clinical Research Support Enterprise and explore available facilities, support, and resources by visiting their page.