Using Technology to Connect and Strengthen CABs: CCaTS’ First Annual Training

Jan 22 3:22pm | Jasmine Souers | @jasminesouers

In January 2026, the Mayo Clinic Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCaTS) hosted its inaugural Community Advisory Board (CAB) Annual Training, marking an exciting milestone in strengthening CABs through the use of technology.

This new annual training emerged from the CCaTS CAB harmonization process, recent CAB evaluations, and direct feedback from CAB members. Historically, each of the six CCaTS CABs operated independently. Through harmonization, the teams aligned the CABs in structure, function, and organization, resulting in a unified guiding document that includes an updated mission and vision, along with clearly defined roles for CAB Members, CAB Board Chairs, Scientific Leads, and CAB Coordinators.

One need identified in the 2025 CAB evaluation was a standardized onboarding and training experience for all CAB members. In response, the CCaTS team developed a virtual Annual Training, making it easier for members across Arizona, Florida, and the Midwest to participate—an important step in making engagement more accessible and unified.

More than 50 CAB members attended this year’s online sessions, which included:

An overview of Mayo Clinic Research, CCaTS, and the CCaTS Community Engagement Program

Information about the role and value of CABs

A detailed review of CAB member responsibilities

Dedicated Q&A time to support real-time interaction

To accommodate varying schedules, CCaTS offered two live virtual sessions, demonstrating how technology can help overcome geographic and logistical barriers to CAB participation. This pilot training will continue to evolve as the team reviews evaluation feedback and identifies additional topics to support CAB members in offering meaningful input to researchers and presenters.

The 2026 Annual Training reflects CCaTS ongoing commitment to listening to community members and using technology to enhance collaboration, ensuring that every CAB member has the resources and support needed to guide researchers and presenters.