Research Funding Opportunities

The CTRI provides direct support to CTRI General Members for novel translational research through pilot project funding (including grants to community researchers) and “in-kind” grants for CTRI services. 

Clinical research, according to the NIH definition, is research conducted with human subjects or on material collected from humans, in order to broaden knowledge about mechanisms of disease, therapeutic interventions, or clinical trials, or to develop new technology. Clinical research also includes epidemiological studies, behavioral studies, community interventions, and research on outcomes and health services.

Translational research is defined to include four emphases:

1. T1-  translational research includes the process of applying basic research discoveries to develop trials and other studies in humans (i.e., case studies, phase I and II clinical trials).
2. T2-  translational research is directed at better patient outcomes and the development of evidence‐based guidelines. 
3. T3-  translational research implements evidence‐based guidelines into health practice through community practice (delivery, dissemination, and diffusion research). 
4. T4-  translational research evaluates the health outcomes of applications of translational research in the community.

SEED GRANTS are available to CTRI members to obtain preliminary data on early-stage projects for subsequent funding applications.  These are short-term, non-cash awards for CTRI services and can be requested for any type of service the CTRI directly provides.  Seed Grants can be awarded for services with a total value up to $8,000 and must be used within 6 months of award date.  Requests for seed grants are accepted at any time.

In-Kind Grants to Community Researchers are available to help mentor new community clinical investigators with proposal design and regulatory submissions.  These are non-cash awards, for up to $5,000 in services.  Requests are accepted at any time.  Membership in the CTRI is required.

PILOT PROJECT GRANTS  are one-year cash awards for up to $50,000, and are available to CTRI members. Four categories, Pilot Clinical Studies, Pilot Translational Studies, Academic-Community Partnership Pilot Grants, Personalized Medicine Pilot Projects, and Pilot Innovative Technology Proposals are offered. Funding amounts vary by category. Calls for proposals occur at least annually.

A description of the currently awarded pilot projects for 2012 can be found here. To view a list of past awardees, click here.