The Clinical and Translational Science (CTS) Pilot Program invests in investigators with innovative ideas and established scientists expanding their domain expertise. We support pilot projects that will pilot innovative approaches for addressing important roadblocks in translational science with a focus on the Academic Learning Health System (aLHS). While addressing these translational roadblocks, these projects will also apply a fair lens and facilitate multidisciplinary, team-based, and patient-centric science that is broadly generalizable.
The CTS Pilot Program supports two RFAs each year: The Science of Translation RFA and the Translational Research RFA. Both RFAs aim to fund one-year pilot projects at $40,000 each.
Science of Translation
The purpose of the Science of Translation RFA is to support new and innovative research projects relevant to the science of translation. These pilot projects must be focused on advancing translational science and not just be translational in nature. They must be focused on understanding a scientific or operational principle underlying a step of the translational process with the goal of laying the scientific foundation for improvements in translational efficiency that will accelerate the realization of interventions that improve human health.
2025 Science of Translation Pilot Recipients
Implementation Science
“Human-Centered Design to Increase Uptake of Evidence-Based Practices Among Covered Beneficiaries”
Epidemiology and Prevention
“Developing and Validating Linkage Algorithms to Identify Family Relationships in Electronic Health Records (EHR) Data”
Epidemiology and Prevention
“Building a Framework for Inference-Extending Methods to Improve Subgroup Estimate Precision: An Example in Semaglutide”
Implementation Science
“Advancing Translational Science Through the Implementation of Population Based Genomic Screening (ASPIRE)”
- Evaluates an underlying translational science principle
- Addresses a real problem facing the health system
- Involves the development of practices, treatments, tools or approaches that will improve care (e.g., Does tailoring digital reminders improve medication adherence in older adults?)
- Inclusion of both a skilled researcher and clinician who contribute to designing and implementing the approach
- Research methods used by the project balance rigor with practicality
- Results are delivered in a timely fashion
- Analysis of clinical data is a central aspect of the project
- Results from the learning process are disseminated throughout the organization in a manner that leads to better patient care and improved organizational practices and policies
