$37,474 for one year (Pre-docs)
Up to $80,556 for one year* (Post-docs)
*Depending on level of experience
Year 1 Funding Dates: July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026
Appointments are for 2 years and based on positive annual evaluation of trainee progress
The goal of the CTSC TL1 Training Award is to support career development among pre- and early post-doctoral trainees near the beginning of their careers by providing rigorous training and mentoring to conduct translational team research across disciplines and institutions.
TL1 projects require a translational or clinical research focus. Projects with a focus on translational science are particularly encouraged. Emphasis is placed on the following priority areas: precision medicine, drug discovery, targeted therapeutics, biomarkers, device development, novel technologies, pediatric health, life course studies of diseases, studies incorporating biostatistical methodologies and design, and inclusion of dissemination and implementation strategies. Purely basic research proposals will not be funded. Pre-clinical studies should have near-term potential to translate into patient-oriented research.
What is Translational Science? Translational science is the field that generates innovations that overcome longstanding challenges along the translational research pipeline. These include scientific, operational, financial, and administrative innovations that transform the way that research is done, making it faster, more efficient, and more impactful. Read more about the stages of translational science here.
Dissemination and Implementation Science is a crucial component of innovating and overcoming challenges in translational science. Accordingly, we are introducing frameworks and methods into the TL1 Training Award review, placing Dissemination & Implementation within the overarching discussions of the proposed research question, design, methodology, and potential impact(s) of the research findings. To learn more, please refer to the CTSC Dissemination & Implementation Science Lecture Series.
TL1 Trainees pursue research training on a full-time basis, defined by NIH as 40 hours per week (100% time and effort). Appointments are normally made for 12 months (no less than 9 months), up to 2 years, based on positive bi-annual evaluation of scholarly progress. Trainees receive:
- Stipend coverage at the NIH approved level
- Funding for supplies and research support including educational expenses
- Funding for travel to present at national conferences and symposia
- Access to research support services to facilitate conducting C/T research
- Multi-level mentoring
- Clinical and Translational (C/T) research training
- Professional skills and career development training
Email ctsc-education@med.cornell.edu to join the mailing list and receive notifications when the RFA is announced.
EDUCATIONAL AND PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Pre and Early Post-doctoral MD Trainees
TL1 awardees who currently hold a medical degree or are medical students are required to enroll in either the Advanced Certificate (if funded for 1 year) or the Master’s in C/T Investigation Degree (if funded for 2 years).
Pre and Early Post-doctoral PhD Trainees
TL1 trainees are encouraged to enroll in the Advanced Certificate and/or Master’s Degree in C/T Investigation. TL1 Awardees who are enrolled in, or currently hold doctoral-level research degrees (PhDs) are required to complete a total of 10 course credits during their appointment.
To complete the TL1 program, the following are required:
- Completion, within the last four years, of human subjects protection training such as the Responsible Conduct of Research training course
- A first author scientific article submitted to a high-quality scientific journal OR if appropriate, a clinical & translational grant proposal submitted to a federal (i.e., K award or other NIH funding mechanism, AHRQ, PCORI) or other foundation/industry research funding requiring peer-review with the trainee named as Principal Investigator
- Abstract submission and poster presentation of CTSC TL1 research project at the annual Translational Science National Conference
- Presentation of CTSC TL1 research project at a local, national, or international scientific conference
- Presentation of CTSC TL1 research project at a Research-in-Progress forum
TL1 Awardees must also agree to complete the CTSC Annual Alumni Surveys for at least 15 years after completion of the TL1 Training Program.
Questions? See CTSC FAQs, or email CTSC-education@med.cornell.edu