I’m thrilled to sit down with Ivan Kairatov, a renowned expert in biopharma with a deep understanding of technology and innovation in the industry. With years of experience in research and development, Ivan brings a unique perspective to the intersection of science and mental health. Today, we’re diving into a conversation about the newly established BRIGHT Center at the Medical University of South Carolina, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at building resilience after trauma. We’ll explore the vision behind this center, the innovative strategies it employs to support trauma survivors, the importance of nurturing early-career researchers, and how technology and community engagement are shaping the future of trauma care.
Can you share what inspired the creation of the BRIGHT Center and why focusing on trauma resilience became such a priority?
The inspiration for the BRIGHT Center comes from the stark reality that trauma affects a vast majority of people—about three in four Americans experience a potentially traumatic event by the time they’re 18. The lifelong mental and physical consequences for many are staggering, and the cost to the nation is over $300 billion annually. My passion for this area grew from seeing how health care systems often struggle to deliver scalable, evidence-based treatments where they’re needed most. We wanted to create a hub that not only addresses these gaps but also fosters hope and resilience, particularly in a state like South Carolina where mental health resources are often limited.
Why do you think a center like this is especially needed in South Carolina?
South Carolina faces some unique challenges. Over 700,000 adults here are diagnosed with mental health conditions each year, and more than 2.3 million live in areas with a shortage of mental health professionals. Access to care is a huge barrier, compounded by issues like cost. A center like BRIGHT can directly tackle these local needs by developing interventions that are accessible and tailored to the community, while also building a model that can be scaled nationally.
What are some of the key goals the BRIGHT Center hopes to achieve in the coming years?
Over the next five years, our primary goal is to transform trauma care by equipping a new generation of researchers with cutting-edge tools and mentorship. We want to develop and test innovative treatments and implementation strategies that improve both access to and quality of care. Ultimately, we aim to make a tangible difference in the lives of trauma survivors, not just in South Carolina but across the country, by reducing the barriers that prevent people from getting help.
How do you plan to measure the impact of the BRIGHT Center on trauma survivors and communities?
We’ll be looking at a range of outcomes, from individual health improvements—such as reduced symptoms of traumatic stress or better physical health—to broader community impacts, like increased access to evidence-based interventions. Success will also mean seeing our early-career researchers secure independent funding and establish their own labs, which will amplify our reach. We’re committed to tracking how many people are reached by our interventions and whether they’re actually benefiting in meaningful ways.
Why is there such a strong emphasis on supporting early-career researchers at the BRIGHT Center?
Early-career researchers are the future of trauma care. By investing in them now, we’re building a pipeline of innovative thinkers who can carry this work forward for decades. These researchers often have fresh ideas but lack the resources or experience to bring them to fruition. Supporting them ensures that new, impactful solutions keep emerging, and it strengthens the entire field of traumatic stress research by creating a robust network of skilled scientists.
Can you elaborate on how mentoring these researchers will improve trauma care in the long run?
Mentoring provides these researchers with the guidance they need to design high-impact studies and navigate the complexities of funding and publication. It’s about teaching them not just the science, but also the process—how to engage communities, use technology effectively, and ensure their work reaches those who need it. Over time, this creates a ripple effect: their projects improve care today, and the skills they gain shape every future study they undertake, multiplying the impact on trauma survivors.
The BRIGHT Center has three research cores—Digital Health, Community Engagement, and Dissemination and Implementation Science. How does the Digital Health Core aim to revolutionize trauma interventions?
The Digital Health Core is all about leveraging technology to make interventions more accessible and efficient. Think mobile apps that deliver real-time support to survivors or artificial intelligence that personalizes treatment plans. For instance, we’re working on smartphone applications that can assist providers in delivering evidence-based care for issues like traumatic stress and substance misuse. The goal is to meet people where they are, breaking down barriers like distance or stigma that often prevent care.
What role does the Community Engagement Core play in ensuring research truly serves the people it’s meant to help?
This core is crucial for making sure our research isn’t just done in a vacuum. It focuses on teaching researchers how to connect with community members, providers, and other stakeholders to get feedback on their studies. By tailoring interventions to the real needs and experiences of the people we’re trying to help, we ensure that our work resonates and is actually useful. It’s about building trust and relevance, especially in diverse or underserved areas.
Why is the Dissemination and Implementation Science Core so vital to the mission of the BRIGHT Center?
You can create the best intervention in the world, but if it doesn’t reach the people who need it, it’s meaningless. This core focuses on making sure our interventions are easy for providers and communities to adopt and roll out effectively. It’s about packaging solutions in ways that fit different clinical settings and ensuring they’re communicated clearly. Implementation science helps bridge the gap between research and real-world application, which is often where trauma care falls short.
The name ‘BRIGHT Center’ seems to carry a powerful message. Can you tell us why this name was chosen and what it represents?
We chose ‘BRIGHT’ to symbolize hope and a brighter future for those recovering from trauma. It reflects the resilience we see in so many survivors and our mission to build on that strength. The name is a reminder that even after the darkest experiences, there’s potential for growth and healing. It’s meant to inspire both the researchers and the communities we serve to envision possibilities beyond their current struggles.
What do you see as the biggest barriers to trauma care that the BRIGHT Center is working to overcome?
The biggest barriers are access and affordability. Many people can’t get care because there aren’t enough providers, especially in rural or underserved areas, or because the cost is prohibitive. Stigma also plays a role, keeping people from seeking help. We’re tackling these by developing scalable interventions—things like digital tools that don’t require in-person visits—and by focusing on implementation strategies that make care more affordable and reachable for everyone.
What is your forecast for the future of trauma care, especially with initiatives like the BRIGHT Center leading the way?
I’m optimistic that over the next decade, trauma care will become far more accessible and personalized, thanks to centers like BRIGHT. With advancements in digital health, we’ll see interventions that meet people where they are, whether through a smartphone or virtual visits. I also believe community-driven research will ensure treatments are more culturally relevant and effective. My hope is that we’ll close the treatment gap significantly, helping millions more heal from trauma with evidence-based, compassionate care.
