Baltimore SOCRA Chapter

SOCRA Members, With the recent NIH supplemental guidance capping all current and future indirect costs at 15%, we find ourselves in a position of significant uncertainty. As clinical research professionals, we are acutely aware of the severe impact this will have on public health, crippling our ability to conduct vital clinical research across the United States. Indirect costs fund essential functions necessary to support research. These encompass administrative support, maintenance of research facilities, and compliance functions—core components that form the backbone of our research infrastructure. The cap undermines the ability of institutions to sustain comprehensive research environments, thereby jeopardizing scientific innovation and advancements in medical treatments. SOCRA remains steadfast in its commitment to our members during these challenging times. We recognize your concerns and understand the far-reaching consequences of this policy change. In response, we are actively collaborating with leaders in the industry to advocate for the vital importance of sustained investment in research infrastructure. Our efforts include engaging with stakeholders across the research industry, as well as partnering with other impacted organizations to ensure that the voices of clinical research professionals are heard and acknowledged. We commend the dedication and resilience of you, our members, and rest assured, SOCRA will continue to stand by you, leveraging our collective strength to ensure that the critical work of advancing public health through clinical research can continue unabated. Sincerely, SOCRA Board of Directors

?? February #BaltimoreSOCRA Member Highlight ?? Meet Anthony Keyes, Assistant Director, Research Workforce Operations at Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine! With over 20 years of experience in clinical research, Anthony has made an incredible impact through the projects he's led and his dedication to developing early-stage clinical research professionals. ???????? As a proud Society of Clinical Research Associates (SOCRA) member for 4 years, Anthony is passionate about continuing education and professional development, and he actively models this commitment for his team. His leadership inspires others to stay driven and grow in their careers. In addition, we also wanted to give a shoutout to our ?? January #BaltimoreSOCRA Member Highlight ?? - Karineh Tarpinian, CCRP. We didn't forget about you! Karineh is a Clinical Trial Manager at Emmes and, with over 20 years of experience in both laboratory and clinical research, she has made significant contributions to breast cancer research, vaccines, and infectious diseases. ????? Her proudest accomplishment? Leading a team that deployed the mpox vaccine study just 12 days after finalizing the protocol – a true testament to her ability to shorten timelines without compromising on quality or patient safety. ?? As a dedicated SOCRA member for 16 years, Karineh’s expertise and commitment to advancing research are truly inspiring. ?? Fun Fact: Karineh has been part of the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade THREE times and has even held one of the giant balloons TWICE! ?? Thank you, Anthony and Karineh, for your incredible contributions to the research community and we celebrate your incredible achievements both in and outside of the research world! ?? #SOCRA #ClinicalResearch #Leadership #ProfessionalDevelopment #ContinuingEducation

The U.S. FDA has published a compilation of answers to questions frequently asked of the Agency regarding the protection of human research participants (February 2025): https://lnkd.in/gcxQTaj9 #BiomedicalResearch #ClinicalInvestigations #ResearchReview #InformedConsent #InstitutionalReviewBoard #IRB #RegulatoryGuidance

Thank you all for your steadfast dedication to high quality and ethical research. SOCRA stands by you.

For the first time since the pandemic, we are hosting an in-person all day event! And get this- it's located at the BELMONT room of the Elkridge, MD library!! When? Friday 12/7/2024 If you are local to the area, please feel free to join us to learn and engage with one another. Our meetings are open to the public and free. Please RSVP so we can plan for adequate space: https://lnkd.in/eWS5qVWX Can't wait to meet our members in person!

Our Member Highlight for October: Meet Karen Loehr, a dedicated Senior Research Nurse with Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and a proud 15-year member of the Society of Clinical Research Associates (SOCRA). With an impressive 19 years of experience in pediatric research, Karen’s career has been marked by her commitment to advancing health for children. Her proudest accomplishment? Being part of the groundbreaking team working toward an effective RSV vaccine for kids—a true game-changer in pediatric healthcare! Beyond her professional achievements, Karen's personal journey is an inspiration. As a cancer survivor, her experience as a research patient shaped her calling to make a difference in nursing and research. We’re so grateful to have Karen in our Baltimore SOCRA community! #ClinicalResearch #Nursing #ResearchNurse #RSVVaccine #SOCRA #BaltimoreSOCRA

We hope you can join us TODAY from 12pm-2pm ET for a spooktacular compliance chat! Come face the scary side of compliance with us and let's tackle those compliance nightmares together! ?????????♀? #regulatorycompliance #SOCRA

Regulatory compliance giving you nightmares? ?? Join us for a special bone-chilling chapter meeting where we’ll share real-life scary compliance stories that will leave you shaking in your boots! ????? ??? Date: October 31, 2024 ? Time: 12pm-2pm ET ?? Location: Zoom -register using the link below! Come for the tricks, stay for the treats—and leave with new insights to keep your compliance record from becoming a scary compliance story. Costumes are optional but encouraged! ?? #regulatorycompliance #SOCRA #compliancenightmares

Give her a shout out folks!

The Society of Clinical Research Associates (SOCRA) Annual Conference is HERE! We have plenty of representatives from the Baltimore Chapter in attendance (and presenting!), so be sure to say "hi"! Leave a comment if you're at the conference so we can connect!