2026 Short Course on Multilingual Approaches to Research Studies (MARS)

Monday, June 1, 2026, 9:00 AM - Wednesday, June 3, 2026, 5:00 PM, Roberts Center for Pediatric Research, Room 1120A/B (1st Floor), Philadelphia, PA

Applications are now open for the 2026 Short Course on Multilingual Approaches to Research Studies (MARS)!

Now in its 5th year, the Short Course on MARS helps to prepare health researchers seeking to recruit and engage children, youth, and families who prefer a language other than English.     New for 2026: We’ve added a virtual attendance track for those unable to travel to Philadelphia.   Course programming includes dynamic lectures from expert faculty as well as interactive sessions comprising case studies, small group work, workshops, and consultations.  Course topics include: Best practices and advanced skills for working with interpreters for research  Written translation protocols for all types of study documents Language-related requirements for all phases of a research project  Design and management of a multilingual study This course is tailored to research trainees, staff, and faculty. It is geared toward disciplines including but not limited to public health, nursing, psychiatry, psychology, pediatrics, and the social sciences. Bilingual/bicultural applicants are strongly encouraged to apply; however, proficiency in languages other than English is not a course requirement.  Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Application deadline is May 22, 2026. CLICK HERE TO APPLY

1. Apply best practices and advanced skills for working with interpreters for research
2. Select and manage translation protocols for all types of study documents
3. Identify language-related requirements for all phases of a research project
4. Manage a multilingual study

Please note, registration for this event will open January 1, 2026.

In-Person - $800
(Comprising of lectures, case studies, small group work, and consultations)

Virtual - $600
(Participation in lectures only)

In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ (18.00 hours), Non-Physician AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ Attendance (includes PA, RT, RDMS) (18.00 hours)

Mitigation of Relevant Financial Relationships

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia adheres to the ACCME’s Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education. Any individuals in a position to control the content of a CE activity, including faculty, planners, reviewers or others are required to disclose all relevant financial relationships with ineligible entities (commercial interests). All relevant conflicts of interest have been mitigated prior to the commencement of the activity.