The Summa Health DISCOVER Center is our research support center, providing comprehensive guidance for investigator-initiated research. Its services include protocol development, statistical analysis, assistance with publication, and more. The DISCOVER Center is available to all Summa Health employees and clinicians, including trainees. Additionally, Summa Health collaborates with NEOMED's Clinical and Translational Research Institute (CTRI) to provide additional support to the DISCOVER Center.

For questions or more information on the DISCOVER Center, email research@summahealth.org.

Our Summa Health Translational Research Center (TRC) focuses on turning early-stage scientific discoveries into real-world advances in patient care, such as new ways to diagnose, treat, or prevent disease. The goal of the TRC is to translate knowledge into meaningful advancements in clinical care. We aim to encourage and promote multidisciplinary collaboration across Summa and our regional partners and also provide an onsite core support facility for laboratory-based investigations.

For questions or more information on the TRC, email research@summahealth.org.

The Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) is responsible for managing all external funding for research, programmatic activities, and special programs. OSP supports the full lifecycle of awards for all grants and industry-sponsored contracts, including the submission, budget review, contract/agreement negotiation, legal agreement execution through post-award compliance. Additionally, OSP conducts financial monitoring and audit support for funded grants and awards. 

For questions or more information on OSP, email osp@summahealth.org.

The Office of Research Administration (ORA) provides administrative support and oversight of all research conducted by Summa Health.  Services include research training, education, study auditing, study design, regulatory review and software support. 

To view our Financial Conflicts of Interest in Research policy, click here.  

For questions or more information on research administration, email research@summahealth.org.

The Summa Health Institutional Review Board (IRB) is a local oversight committee responsible for reviewing and monitoring research involving Summa Health patients (a.k.a., human participants).  The purpose of the IRB is to ensure that appropriate steps are taken to protect the rights and welfare of participants. The IRB committee is composed of medical professionals, researchers, and community representatives.  It also reviews new and continuing research studies to ensure compliance with applicable laws and local requirements. 

For questions or more information on the IRB, email irb@summahealth.org.

The Office of Clinical Research Billing (OCRB) at Summa Health ensures that all billing claims related to clinical research are handled accurately, transparently, and in full compliance with applicable federal regulations and institutional policies. This office oversees billing compliance for clinical research studies, clinical trials, sponsored programs, and special projects across all Summa Health entities, including those funded by an industry sponsor, government agency, nonprofit organization, or donors.  

For questions or more information on research billing, email researchbilling@summahealth.org. 

The Office of Technology Management (OTM) at Summa Health supports the protection and commercialization of innovative ideas developed by our researchers, clinicians, and staff. This includes managing intellectual property such as patents, copyrights, trademarks, and other proprietary technologies. OTM evaluates the patent landscape of high potential ideas, and if applicable, will conduct a market review of the technology, secure patents/copyrights/trademarks and approach companies for interest in licensing. 

For questions or more information on technology management or intellectual property at Summa Health, email innovation@summahealth.org.