2026 TL1 Training Award RFA

$38,038 for one year (Pre-docs)

Up to $82,540 for one year* (Post-docs)

*Depending on level of experience

(residents, fellows, early post-doc PhDs)

Year 1 Funding Dates: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027

NOTE: 2nd year funding is contingent on continued NIH CTSC Grant Funding

Appointments are for 2 years and based on positive annual evaluation of trainee progress

 Click Here for Application Instructions and to Initiate Notification of Intent

The goal of the CTSC TL1 Training Award is to support career development among pre- and early post-doctoral trainees by providing rigorous training and mentorship to conduct clinical and translational team science across disciplines and institutions. The program equips trainees with the knowledge and skills to advance diagnostics, therapeutics, clinical interventions, and behavioral strategies that improve health, while accelerating the translational science process to deliver new treatments and cures to patients more quickly.

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 science 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 performed, 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 D&I frameworks and methods into the TL1 Training Award review, placing D&I 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 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-tiered mentorship
• Clinical and Translational science didactic research education
• Professional skills education and career development coaching

EDUCATIONAL AND PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Pre and Early Post-doctoral MD Trainees

TL1 awardees who are enrolled as medical students or currently hold medical degrees 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

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 ofResearch training course
• Completion of at least one CTSC mentoring workshop and active participation in monthly Research-in-Progressseminars.
• One first-author scientific article submitted to a peer-reviewed high-quality scientific journal OR if appropriate, aclinical & translational grant submitted to a federal institution (i.e., K awards or other NIH funding mechanisms,AHRQ, PCORI), or other foundation/industry research funding requiring peer-review with the trainee as Principal Investigator.
• Presentation of original data in formal scientific venues:

a. Abstract submission and poster presentation of CTSC TL1 research project at the annual Translational Science National Conference

b. Presentation of CTSC TL1 research project at a local, national, or international scientific conference

c. Presentation of CTSC TL1 research project at a WCM CTSC Research-in-Progress seminar

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