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With profound sadness, CITI Program announces Dr. Paul Braunschweiger’s passing on May 19, 2024. Affectionately known as Dr. B by his colleagues and friends, Dr. Braunschweiger, alongside Karen Hansen, founded CITI Program 24 years ago to meet the crucial need for training in the ethical conduct of research involving humans and animals. Dr. B. led the development and administration of CITI Program at the University of Miami and led the successful transition of CITI Program to BRANY in 2016. He remained CITI Program’s Managing Director until his retirement in 2018.
In addition to his leadership at the CITI Program, Dr. Braunschweiger, Professor Emeritus at the University of Miami, was a prolific basic cancer researcher. He received funding from NIH, DoE, and ORI and published more than 100 peer-reviewed papers. For more than 12 years, he chaired the UM IACUC.
As a result of Dr. B’s leadership and vision, millions of learners have been trained through CITI Program, and the impactful work these students, researchers, and investigators have carried forward in research highlights the immeasurable influence of Dr. B’s dedication, care, and foresight.
Memorial Service
A memorial service will be held on June 9th at 2:00 p.m. at Hollywood Hills United Methodist Church located at 400 N 35th Avenue, Hollywood, FL 33021.
Personal Reflections
Share your thoughts on Dr. Paul Braunschweiger’s passing.
It is difficult for me to put into words how heartbreaking it is to me that Paul has passed. Over 25 years ago, I met Paul in the founding days of Citi. He and Karen Hansen were our fearless leaders. I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to work with him and share fun dinners with him. In March of this year, my husband and I had the opportunity to meet Ellen his wife and eat dinner with her and Paul. We were looking forward to many more dinners together. I also am thankful that on April 2, Paul and I took the train from Orlando to the Citi External Advisory Meeting. We had such a good time. He has written a novel for his family…a mystery. What an interesting person Paul was. My deepest sympathy goes to his family. He will be missed by so many people.
Ada Sue Selwitz, MA, University of Kentucky, CITI Program EAB Chair
Paul Braunschweiger’s innovative web-based teaching of research ethics was informed by his personal values. He defined the performance of research as a privilege not a right and repeatedly emphasized the importance of integrity, honesty and reproducibility.
Paul’s existential scaffolding was built on verve, bonhomie and an adaptability to novelty. He brought wit, sagacity, kindness, mentoring and decency to his interactions with friends, colleagues and students. At his core, Paul adored and treasured his family. For the observant, he taught us how to become a better person. As we process the inexplicable loss of this incredible human being, we can honor his memory by remembering, and sharing, his life wisdom and humor.
Susan M. Miller, MD, MPH – The Methodist Hospital, CITI Program EAB Member and Former Chair
Dr. Paul Braunschweiger was a mentor who deftly combined the reflective patience of a fly fisherman with the decisive energy of a man of action. His dynamic leadership and fervent dedication to research ethics have profoundly shaped the CITI Program. As I took the helm six years ago, his guidance was instrumental in navigating the complexities of leading this mission-driven organization. His legacy, like the artful cast of a fly line, continues to guide us with wisdom and inspire our commitment to integrity and excellence.
Bharat Krishna, Senior Managing Director, CITI Program
My memories with Paul date back to 2004, when we regularly met at an Argentinian coffee place in Hollywood, FL, for breakfast meetings. I tried to introduce him to the traditional “media lunas” Argentinian breakfast, but I couldn’t make a dent in his American preferences for omelets and scrambled eggs. During these breakfasts, we discussed strategies for making CITI Program—a brilliant and much-needed initiative for research ethics education created by him and Karen Hansen- an international product. Even though I was a recent immigrant and a very new faculty member at the University of Miami, Paul not only trusted me, but made me feel like a peer.
In 2008, Paul, CITI Program director, Ken Goodman, the University of Miami Ethics Program director, and I developed a successful NIH-Fogarty grant proposal to expand CITI Program in Latin America by creating local content that met the region’s needs in research ethics education. Paraphrasing Rick in Casablanca, “That was the beginning of a beautiful friendship.” Of course, that friendship had some bumps. Although our agreements outnumbered our disagreements, I could not concur with some of his working decisions. Despite our differences, our friendship endured. He was a talented, warm, smart, and fun person. We shared not only trips but also our office space for more than 16 years. I deeply appreciated him, and I believe the feeling was mutual.
Although his creation left the University of Miami several years ago, our communication remained strong. Last Christmas, we promised each other that we would find time either for me to visit him at his new home in New Smyrna or for him to meet me in Miami for a drink. Now, confronted with his disappearance, I realize that all the excuses I used to delay our meeting were futile. Our existence is fragile, and the future is just uncertain.
Goodbye, Paul.
Sergio G. Litewka, MD, MPH – University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
The entire BRANY family is deeply saddened by the passing of our beloved “Dr.B.” Thanks to Paul’s leadership, the CITI Program has become the gold standard and a guiding light for generations of researchers across the country and throughout the world. It has been an honor for BRANY to be a steward of the CITI Program and the caretaker of his vision. We will continue to strive to make him proud in the years to come. Our thoughts and prayers are with Dr. Braunschweiger’s family on the loss of such a wonderful, caring man. Dr. B has been a blessing to us all.
Paddy Mullen, Chief Executive Office, BRANY
I knew Dr. Braunschweiger through my work at CITI Program program from 2011 till his retirement. Reflecting on the legacy of my beloved boss, Dr. B, as we used to call him, I remember a leader who transcended the traditional boundaries of a managerial role. He was not just a boss; he was a mentor, a guide, and, above all, a paternal figure who cared deeply for each of us. His door was always open, his heart always receptive, and his wisdom ever available. He celebrated our successes as his own and supported us through our challenges with unwavering kindness and understanding. His genuine care and compassion created a workplace that felt like a family. As we move forward, I carry with me the invaluable lessons he imparted and the warmth of his fatherly presence that will forever remain in my heart.
Goodbye Boss.
Viviane Francis, Senior Content Production Manager, CITI Program
It is with deep respect and admiration that I remember Dr. Paul Braunschweiger, a pioneering force in the field of research ethics and a cherished colleague. Dr. Braunschweiger was instrumental in the development and leadership of CITI Program, a cornerstone in the education of researchers worldwide.
Dr. Braunschweiger’s career was marked by his unwavering commitment to ethical research practices and his innovative approach to education. As a co-founder of CITI Program, he transformed the landscape of research compliance training, ensuring that thousands of researchers were equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to conduct their work ethically and responsibly. His vision and dedication have left an indelible mark on the field.
Paul was a mentor, leader, and friend to many. His legacy lives on through the countless individuals he inspired and the ethical frameworks he helped establish. I extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and other colleagues. Dr. Braunschweiger’s contributions to the field of research ethics will continue to guide and influence future generations. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten.
Rest in peace, Dr. Paul Braunschweiger. Your legacy endures.
Cindy Gates, EAB Member and Course Author, CITI Program
Paul’s unwavering support twelve years ago significantly expanded research ethics educational programs in Korea. His philosophy is well-represented through the Korean version of the CITI program. Virtually all the educational programs that we have developed are the results of Paul’s encouragement. Korea will cherish his spirit and remember him as a pioneer and educator.
Miss you so much, Paul!!
Byung-in (B.I.) Choe, MBA, LLM, PhD, The Catholic University of Korea
Paul was a dear, sweet man who will be missed by all of us who knew him. I will always remember his smile and laugh. My heart goes out to Ellen and the family, and all of those of us who Paul has touched over the decades. He will be missed and mourned, but will always be remembered fondly.
Patricia A. MacCubbin, MS, Research Ethics Group, CITI Program Author
I have had the privilege and good fortune to have known Dr. Paul Braunschweiger for many years. He was my friend and an esteemed colleague. Among many accomplishments, he helped pioneer online research ethics training which filled a great need. Paul and I served on boards together and presented at many conferences across the US and internationally. He was an impressive scholar with an inquisitive mind that encompassed many scientific and nonscientific fields. Paul lived life with vigor and contagious enthusiasm with a lot of laughter. I have many fond memories of dinners we shared with colleagues that involved stimulating conversations and, invariably, too much wine. I shall miss Paul and his memory will undoubtedly not fade with the passing of time.
Ernest Prentice, PhD, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Former CITI Program EAB Member
My husband and I met Paul and Ellen in the Bahamas several years ago and we became fast friends. Paul was a funny and sweet man and he will be missed.
Laura Provencher, BA, MA, University of California San Diego, CITI Program Author
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