The Indiana CTSI provides funding for its special Pre-doctoral Training Award in Translational Research.
In biomedical terminology translational research refers to what is popularly termed “bench to bedside,” the process by which research in the lab “translates” into patient treatment. Translation may involve applying discoveries made during research (in the lab, through animal studies, etc.) to the development of clinical trials and studies in humans, or carrying out research aimed at enhancing the adoption of best practices, or both.
These two types of translational research are usually described as consisting of either:
- T1 research: basic biomedical research, e.g. study disease at a molecular or cellular level, as it progresses to the development of new treatment options at the clinical level
- T2 research: enhancing access to and the adoption of evidence-based strategies in clinical and community practice, institutionalizing programs, products, and services to improve health
Pre-doctoral Training Award eligibility requirements
Criteria for applications include:
- Candidates must have completed at least one year of a pre-doctoral training program, but they cannot have completed more than their third year (i.e., applicants must be in the second or third year of their pre-doctoral program when they apply).
- Co-mentorship by faculty investigators from at least two different disciplines (preferably a clinician and a non-clinician scientist).
- Research that is translational in nature and takes advantage of the synergism that comes from working at this basic/clinical interface.
- Candidates must be United States citizens or permanent residents.
What are the benefits?
Pre-doctoral Training Awardees receive:
- Annual stipend
- Health insurance
- Partial tuition remission
- Travel funds to attend the annual national meeting of the Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA) Program in Washington, D.C., in April*
*Note that trainees are required to attend the national CTSA meeting in Washington, D.C., and to present their work at several Indiana CTSI pre-doctoral gatherings during the academic year.
How to Apply
Applications for the Pre-doctoral Training Award are due in November* and awards begin July 1 the following year. The award is for two years(renewable at the end of year one with satisfactory progress).
*Note that pre-screening is required before submitting an application
