Up to $105,000 per year
includes $80,000 salary support and up to $25,000 per year for research related expenses
(post-doctoral PhDs, junior faculty (Instructors, Assistant Professors))
Year 1 Funding Dates: July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026
Appointments are for up to 3 years and based on the bi-annual evaluation of scholar progress
*KL2 Scholars are now eligible for a special limited R03*
The goal of the CTSC KL2 Career Development Award is to increase the pool of qualified clinical and translational (C/T) researchers trained to address the challenges of today’s complex clinical care environment by providing rigorous training and mentoring to conduct translational team research across disciplines and institutions.
KL2 projects requires 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 KL2 Award review, placing Dissemination & Implentation 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.
KL2 Scholars pursue research training at 75% time and effort (50% effort minimum for individuals in surgical specialties). Appointments are normally made for 12 months (no less than 9 months), up to 3 years, based on positive bi-annual evaluation of scholarly progress. Scholars receive:
- Salary support at the NIH approved level
- Funding for supplies and research support
- Funding for travel to present at national conferences and symposia
- Access to support services that facilitate conducting C/T research
- Multi-level mentoring
- Clinical and translational research support
- 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
Professional Degree Trainees
KL2 awardees with a professional degree (MD, DOs, DMD, DNP, DVM, or DPT) are required to complete the Advanced Certificate (if funded for 1 year) or the Master’s in C/T Investigation program (if funded for 2-3 years).
PhD Trainees
KL2 Awardees that are enrolled in, or currently hold doctoral-level research degrees (PhD) are required to complete a total of 10 credits during their appointment. K scholars are encouraged to enroll in the Advanced Certificate and/or Master’s Degree in C/T Investigation.
To complete KL2 program, the following are required:
- Completion, within the last four years, of human subjects' protection training such as the Responsible Conduct of Research course
- At least one first author scientific article (in press or in suitable format for submission) to a high-quality scientific journal
- At least one clinical & translational grant submission (in revision or funded) to a federal (e.g. K award, RO1, R21, AHRQ, PCORI) or other foundation/industry research funding requiring peer-review with the scholar is named as Principal Investigator.
- Abstract submission and presentation of CTSC KL2 research at the annual Translational Science National Conference
- Presentation of CTSC KL2 research at a local, national or international scientific conference
- Presentation of CTSC KL2 research at a Research-in-Progress forum
KL2 Awardees must also agree to complete the CTSC Annual Alumni Surveys for at least 15 years after completion of the KL2 Program.
Questions? See CTSC FAQs, or email CTSC-education@med.cornell.edu