Call for K12 Clinical and Translational Science Scholars Program Applications!
Receive 75% protected time for your translational research endeavor - Center for Clinical and Translational Science
About the CATS Program
CCTS's K12 Clinical and Translational Science (CATS) Scholar Program accelerates the career progression of scientists who have demonstrated a commitment to clinical and translational science.
This is a two-year award that provides a vigorous mentoring and career development program for clinical and translational scholars in disciplines and professions including medicine, dentistry, nursing, psychology, pharmacy, engineering, and physical & occupational therapy, among others.
Award Details
- 2-year awards starting June 1, 2026
- $20,000 annually in research funding
- 75% salary coverage/release time for research and career development
- Robust mentoring from senior translational research faculty
- Individualized career development plans
- Monthly career development sessions
- Subsidized CCTS support through Research Ally
We anticipate funding two K12 Scholars, with the potential for 4-6 additional Affiliate Scholars.
Translational Science & Priority Areas
We will consider a range of potential research projects across the clinical and health sciences with a priority given to projects including an element of translational science. We adopt the NIH’s National Center for Advancing Clinical Translational Science (NCATS) definition of clinical translational science.
The translational science component of your work may:
- produce generalizable solutions for common and persistent challenges – that is, develop innovations that address persistent challenges to advancing translational progress that are found across multiple research initiatives or projects, or span research on multiple diseases or conditions
- emphasize innovation in research design and implementation in pursuit of advancing research across multiple diseases and conditions; or that emphasize innovation in research team interactions that facilitate and support the quality and impact of research
- leverage cross-disciplinary team science
- enhance the efficiency and speed of translational research by implementing evidence-informed practices and scientific and operational innovation
Although applications are welcome in the broad domains of clinical translational research, we will prioritize applications that align with NIH priorities.
Application Process & Timeline
- “How to Apply” Information Session: Tuesday, January 20, 2026, 12:00 - 1:00pm via Zoom
- Application portal opens: Tuesday, January 20, 2026
- Full applications due: Monday, February 23, 2026 by 5:00 PM CST
- Award notification: April 16, 2026
- Award start date: June 1, 2026
Questions?
Email Elli Resnick at eresnick@uic.edu