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THIS MONTH IN INJURY SCIENCE @ PENN
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The latest Science, Communications, Opportunities, & Outputs from the Penn Injury Science Center
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Injury Brown Bag series brings PhD students, postdocs, fellows, & residents together
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The 2025-26 Injury Brown Bag series began this month, creating a community of pre- and post-doctoral trainees interested in injury prevention. The in-person lunchtime event features presentations from Senior Scholars at the Penn Injury Science Center, followed by an informal brown bag discussion where attendees learn about current injury-focused research; explore potential mentorship and committee connections; share their own interests and works in progress; and connect with peers and experts in the field.
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Thank you to this year's presenters!
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- November 11, 2025 — Tracy Waasdorp, PhD, MSED and Brooke S. Paskewich, PsyD, MS
- December 9, 2025 -- Elinore Kaufman, MD, MSHP, FACS
- February 10, 2026 -- Millan AbiNader, MSW, PhD
- March 3, 2026 -- Andrea Schneider, MD, PhD
- April 21, 2026 -- Katelin Hoskins, PhD, MBE, CRNP
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Are you a PhD student or postdoctoral trainee interested injury science? Or do you know one? Reach out to andrew.belfiglio@pennmedicine.upenn.edu if you'd like to join the group. Sessions are hosted on Penn's campus and lunch is provided.
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Deadline approaching: CHOP x PISC Pilot Grants for early-stage investigators
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In partnership with the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) Research Institute and Center for Injury Research and Prevention, the Penn Injury Science Center (PISC) invites proposals for our Pilot Grant Program to fund injury and/or violence prevention projects for up to $10,000 each, with a total of $20,000 available this cycle. PIs must be trainees and early-stage investigators affiliated with the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). Applicants must propose a partnership with a Penn-based PISC investigator that does not have CHOP or PSoM Dept of Pediatrics as their primary appointment. Scholars affiliated with CHOP’s Center for Violence Prevention and the Center for Injury Research and Prevention are encouraged to apply, but an affiliation with these centers is not required. Applications are due December 5, 2025.
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The University of Pennsylvania, in collaboration with Vanderbilt University, invite you to apply for the R25 Short Course for Injury Prevention: Firearm Injury Research, a funded program for doctoral and early-career researchers. Includes a week-long in-person institute (May 26–30, 2026) and virtual pre/post-learning, including: Workshops, mentoring, and networking; Action-oriented, community-centered research training; Collaboration with a national network of nurse scientists and allied researchers; Group and one-on-one mentorship from national leaders in the field; and more.
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Open to nurse scientists and allied fields.
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Spots are limited and fully funded.
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December 4th, 2025, 12-1pm Eastern | Virtual
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Join the Penn Center for Public Health for the next session in our Practice and Research Series featuring Megan S. Ryerson, PhD. In this virtual seminar, Dr. Ryerson will discuss “Designing for Safe Mobility: Centering Human Behavior in How We Plan and Model Transportation Systems,” offering insights on how a human-centered approach can reshape transportation and mobility planning for safer, more responsive systems.
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December 5th, 2025, 12-1pm Eastern | Virtual
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The Center for Addiction Medicine and Policy offers this free, virtual overdose reversal training to the entire Penn community, uniting students, faculty, health care staff and others around a common goal - to end the overdose epidemic in our communities.
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Trainings will take place via Microsoft Teams from 12pm - 1pm.
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This training is appropriate for persons with no medical background, but is led by trained emergency responders from Penn Medicine and/or the University of Pennsylvania who can answer more advanced questions.
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January-February 2026 (3 days) | Zoom
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Effective communication in public health has never been more important. In today’s crowded media climate, it can be challenging to break through to the audience you are trying to reach. Come learn the skills you need to share research, promote programs, and create safer, healthier communities through the media and social media.
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The Center for Injury Research and Policy (CIRP) at Nationwide Children’s Hospital is hosting a 3 half-day Media & Social Media Institute for public health professionals on the afternoons of Jan. 22, Jan. 29, and Feb. 5, 2026.
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April 13-15, 2026 | Providence, RI
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The SAVIR 2026 Conference promises the latest science, top-notch networking, inspiring keynotes, and the opportunity to find new collaborators and re-energize your work in the community of injury and violence prevention researchers.
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Register early to take advantage of discounted rates—and rest easy knowing that your registration is fully transferable. If your plans change, you can simply transfer your registration to a colleague or friend at no extra cost.
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Have science to share? The Call for Submissions will be open through October 10.
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Affiliates of the Penn Injury Science Center receive a discount on their SAVIR membership!
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List the Penn Injury Science Center in the "Center Affiliation" field in your profile. Reach out to SAVIR or reply to the membership invoice email if you do not see the discount reflected. Contact andrew.belfiglio@pennmedicine.upenn.edu if you need help troubleshooting.
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The Penn Injury Science Center will support the registration costs for a limited number of trainees to attend SAVIR 2026!
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Stay tuned for the application announcement.
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April 19-21, 2026 | Baltimore, MD
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The 2026 Lifesavers Conference provides a national platform with approximately 80 workshops in ten tracks, plenary sessions, and an extensive exhibit hall. The Lifesavers Conference program is designed to engage federal, state and local government, law enforcement, public health, injury prevention, advocacy, and non-profit organization professionals in an exchange of ideas, strategies, and programs to reduce preventable injuries and deaths.
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Registration is open: early bird through Feb 18 and regular rate through April 17 (late/onsite registration available at extra cost)
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The article in Nature discusses vicarious trauma among researchers exposed to distressing material. Millan AbiNader emphasizes setting physical boundaries—avoiding trauma-related work in personal spaces—and compartmentalizing tasks to reduce emotional impact. Her research shows that designated work times and devices, along with team check-ins and social support, help build resilience. AbiNader notes that emotional responses are normal and advocates for institutional policies that prioritize researcher well-being.
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A new analysis from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study, from Andrea Schneider and team, finds that older, community-dwelling adults with a history of traumatic brain injury (TBI) face a significantly higher risk of depressive symptoms and antidepressant use—even years after injury. Among more than 6,600 participants followed for up to nine years, TBI was associated with a 59% increased risk of depressive symptoms and a 32% increased likelihood of antidepressant prescriptions. Researchers recommend universal screening and timely treatment for depression in older adults with TBI. Read more.
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Penn Medicine responded to rising violence concerns by implementing weapons detection at hospital entrances and launching a firearm secure-storage initiative. The program, developed with hospital security, offers free lockboxes via QR-enabled posters and has shown improved safe-storage practices among firearm owners. This scalable approach highlights how health systems can promote injury prevention through practical, community-focused solutions. Read more from the study which involved Elinore Kaufman, Katie Hoskins, Sunny Jackson, Evan Spencer, Kit Delgado, and more.
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A pilot study in a pediatric emergency department found that video-based education on secure firearm storage, paired with free cable locks, significantly improved safety behaviors among caregivers. After the intervention, 85% intended to ask about firearms in homes their children visit (up from 35%), and nearly 89% of firearm-owning caregivers reported using secure storage at two-week follow-up. Most participants agreed the ED is an appropriate setting for firearm safety discussions. Read more from the study which included Joel Fein and Rachel Myers.
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A new study in JAMA Health Forum, from Elizabeth Nesoff and team, finds that neighborhoods with high levels of structural racism—measured by historical redlining and present-day racialized economic segregation—had significantly more opioid-involved overdose deaths. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, areas with sustained racism had over two additional fatal overdoses per census tract compared with advantaged areas; during the pandemic, tracts with high contemporary segregation saw nearly four more deaths. These findings suggest structural racism may be a fundamental driver of overdose disparities, underscoring the need for equity-focused interventions. Read more.
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Injury Prevention Teaching Resource Hub
The hub features ready-to-use syllabi, case studies, and multimedia—plus a video lecture series aligned with public health standards.
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Explore the tools, share with colleagues, and help shape the next generation of prevention professionals.
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Statistical Consultation Support for PISC Affiliates from the BECCA Lab
The PISC is committed to developing future generations of injury scientists from across disciplines and providing statistical support for projects that are focused on the core mission of the PISC and for when extramural resources are not currently available.
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Who qualifies for support: This program supports two groups of PISC-affiliates.
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- PISC-affiliated post-doctoral and clinical fellows conducting a research project aimed at publication in a peer-reviewed journal and/or to provide preliminary data for an extramural grant application
- PISC senior scholars who are early-stage faculty without research or discretionary account funding to secure statistical consultation.
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Support from PISC Outreach Core
The Penn Injury Science Center’s Outreach Core puts research into action through community-academic partnerships, translation, and dissemination.
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- Communications and dissemination support
- Partnership matchmaking
- Advisement from the Community Action Board
- Technical assistance
- Stakeholder convening
- and more...
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Support from PISC Training & Education Core
The Penn Injury Science Center’s Training & Education core is building the field through training and supporting injury scientists; coursework, training materials, & mentorship; and connection & capacity building.
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- Mentee-mentor matchmaking and programming, mentorship, and mentor training
- A professional and intellectual community for trainees and early career investigators/faculty
- Tailored programming for all levels of trainees
- Course and certificate support
- Trainings, workshops, scholarly forums & educational material support
- and more...
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Have you received funding support or infrastructure support from the Penn Injury Science Center? If yes, the CDC funding needs to be acknowledged! Refer to this guide to know when and how you should cite the PISC R49 Center grant (R49CE003083 for 2019-2024 cycle and R49CE003566 for 2024-2029 cycle).
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Short Course for Firearm Injury Research (funded)
The University of Pennsylvania, in collaboration with Vanderbilt University, invite you to apply for the R25 Short Course for Injury Prevention: Firearm Injury Research, a funded program for doctoral and early-career researchers. Includes a week-long in-person institute (May 26–30, 2026) and virtual pre/post-learning, including: Workshops, mentoring, and networking; Action-oriented, community-centered research training; Collaboration with a national network of nurse scientists and allied researchers; Group and one-on-one mentorship from national leaders in the field; and more.
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Open to nurse scientists and allied fields.
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Spots are limited and fully funded.
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Safe Path Monitors (Educators 4 Education)
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Educators 4 Education (E4E) is currently hiring monitors for the Safe Path Program to support student safety and engagement across Philadelphia schools. Safe Path Monitors play an important role in creating positive, secure environments for students as they travel to and from school.
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Postdoctoral Fellow, DRIVER Study (Penn and CHOP)
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A new Postdoctoral Fellowship is available on the DRIVER Study, a Phase III randomized trial testing the efficacy of modern online and in-person driver training for reducing young new driver crash risk. The position focuses on predictive analytics with a large, longitudinal dataset that integrates virtual driving assessments, cognitive measures, phone app-based driver monitoring, and real-world crash risk outcomes. This role offers the chance to publish widely and shape future driver safety policies and clinical practices.
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Find out more about the position here.
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SAVIR Student Scholarships and Mentorship Programs
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SAVIR has opened two opportunities for applications, Student Scholarships and the Mentorship Program. Both programs have an application deadline of December 1, 2025.
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Students who submitted abstracts to SAVIR may apply for scholarships to help them attend the 2026 SAVIR Conference in Providence, Rhode Island. The SAVIR Student Scholarship is intended to support students in their academic pursuits related to injury and violence prevention research by providing financial assistance. The scholarship helps students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to their community. We are able to offer this scholarship due to the generosity of donors who contribute to the scholarship fund.
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Award applicants will be notified in January 2026 prior to the early bird registration deadline. Please note that abstract acceptances will also be announced in January; students who submitted abstracts are encouraged to apply.
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Eligible individuals are those who are:
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· Currently enrolled in an educational institution
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· Study injury and violence prevention
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· Presenting author on an oral or poster presentation abstract submission for SAVIR 2026
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· Additionally, we will prioritize those with financial need
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Benefits: The scholarship will provide selected students with a $500 stipend to be used for conference registration and/or travel. The recipient will also receive a complimentary SAVIR membership if they are not already a SAVIR member.
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Are you ready to take the next step in your injury and violence prevention (IVP) journey? SAVIR’s signature Mentorship Program is now accepting applications for the upcoming year!
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This 1:1 program connects students and trainees with experienced IVP researchers and practitioners for a full year of personalized guidance and professional growth. Whether you’re refining research skills, exploring new methodologies, developing grant proposals, or navigating the early stages of your career, the SAVIR Mentorship Program provides the tailored support you need to thrive.
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· Individualized career guidance and research support
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· Mentorship on writing, networking, and positionality
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· Help from Program Leads in setting goals, developing mentorship agreements, and troubleshooting challenges
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Students and trainees at the master’s, post-master’s, doctoral, and post-doctoral levels. Mentees must be SAVIR members; preference will be given to mentors who are members.
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Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Washington
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The University of Washington, Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Injury Research Training Program (PIRTP) is offering post-doctoral fellowship training in Pediatric Injury Research, with positions becoming available for summer-fall, 2026. This training program is funded through a National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) T-32 grant. We seek to engage talented researchers with wide ranging perspectives, research, and life experiences for this two-year fellowship. We have special interest in training indigenous researchers and individuals interested in studying injuries among indigenous children.
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Please share the call for postdoctoral fellow application with your networks. Post-doctoral level scholars are welcome from all health professions, specialties and injury related fields. Interested individuals should contact the program coordinator, Bonnie Rains, at pirtp@uw.edu . To apply, applicants will submit a curriculum vitae, a letter of interest, names and contact information for three references, and statement of proposed research interests. Applications received by January 5, 2026 will be given the highest priority. More information can be found attached and at our website: https://www.peds.uw.edu/fellowships/pediatric-injury-research-training-program
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Firearm Injury Prevention Short Course (another funded opportunity, this one from University of Colorado)
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Firearm Injury Prevention Research in Nursing (FIPRN) Scholars Program, hosted by the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. This 12-week hybrid training initiative is designed to equip early-career scientists in nursing and allied fields with cutting-edge research skills in firearm injury prevention, to foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and to build a national network of scholars committed to community-engaged research.
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The program includes a 3.5-day in-person intensive in Aurora, CO (February 23–26, 2026), followed by weekly virtual sessions through May. There is no cost to participate, and travel, lodging, and meals for the in-person intensive are covered for accepted scholars. Applications received by the priority deadline of November 7, 2025 will be reviewed first, with rolling admissions as space allows through the final deadline of December 5, 2025. We encourage applicants from nursing, public health, medicine, and related fields to apply—even if new to the field of firearm injury prevention research.
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Short Course for Preventing Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) among Pregnant/Postpartum Women
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Are you an early-career researcher or do you have a mentee passionate about preventing intimate partner violence (IPV) among pregnant and postpartum women? Take your skills to the next level with Project TIDAL, an NIH-funded R25 education program offered by Emory University.
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This 6-month program (Feb 1 – July 31, 2026) provides:
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Training in fundamentals of big data analytics, machine learning, and natural language processing
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Insights into trauma-informed digital health tools
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Opportunities for community building and professional networking
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Free tuition and travel awards for participants
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Doctoral students, postdocs, and junior faculty with a research focus on IPV or maternal health and with R programming experience.
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Research Associate, Emergency Medicine
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The PhD Research Associate is responsible for developing impactful, sustainable research program in collaboration with core faculty, residents, and hospital network to advance knowledge and implementation of practices especially pertaining to acute emergent conditions particularly in vulnerable populations. The position applies expertise in implementation science, epidemiology, biostatistics, emergency and health policy, health education and related fields to generate evidence that informs clinical decisions in emergency medicine and improves health outcomes in emergency services.
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The IES Research Institute is an academic research division embedded within the Emergency Medicine Department at John Peter Smith (JPS) Health Network, a public safety-net health system with a 3-year emergency medicine residency program. The goal of the Institute is to develop and support scholarly activity, research, and grants to improve health outcomes and healthcare delivery for vulnerable emergency medicine populations through discovery and innovation.
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CHOP / PISC Pilot Grant Program
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In partnership with the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) Research Institute and Center for Injury Research and Prevention, the Penn Injury Science Center (PISC) invites proposals for our Pilot Grant Program to fund injury and/or violence prevention projects for up to $10,000 each, with a total of $20,000 available this cycle. PIs must be trainees and early-stage investigators affiliated with the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). Applicants must propose a partnership with a Penn-based PISC investigator that does not have CHOP or PSoM Dept of Pediatrics as their primary appointment. Scholars affiliated with CHOP’s Center for Violence Prevention and the Center for Injury Research and Prevention are encouraged to apply, but an affiliation with these centers is not required. Applications are due December 5, 2025.
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Tools for Finding and Securing Funding
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University of Pennsylvania investigators have been given access to two helpful tools to find and secure research funding.
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Pivot-RP enhances the discovery of sponsored research opportunities, making the
process faster, more targeted, and more efficient. Pivot-RP also simplifies
communication with potential collaborators by offering seamless ways to share
opportunities.
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RAMPART helps assess the risks in a proposal of being flagged as inconsistent with current federal priorities. It is available for optional use by all Penn faculty, trainees, and staff interested in understanding the level of risk their grant proposals and awards may face in terms of not being reviewed, not being funded, or having funding withdrawn.
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Podcast: Speaking the Same Language for Injury & Violence Prevention
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Sharing a language does not always mean sharing meaning. That became clear to researcher William Wical when he and community organizer Tyrique Glasgow (PISC Community Action Board Co-Chair) were reviewing interviews Wical had done of Black men who’d been involved in a hospital-based violence intervention program. On this episode of Policy Outsider, we learn about how a confusion of meaning resulted in a new endeavor: the Glossary Project. The episode explores Wical and Glasgow’s efforts to get academics, practitioners, victims of gun violence, and the media all speaking the same culturally competent language.
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"Science isn't finished until it's communicated"
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About Us
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The Penn Injury Science Center is funded by a grant from the CDC and brings together university, community, and government partners around injury and violence intervention programs with the greatest potential for impact. We promote and perform the highest quality research, training and translation of scientific discoveries into practice and policy in order to reduce injuries, violence, and their impact to our region, the US, and locations around the world.
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