Official websites use .gov

A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS

A lock ( 🔒 ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Need Help

Advancing the Discipline of Translational Science: Professional Identity Development for Early-Stage Investigators

Award Number: U13TR006307
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL CENTER FOR ADVANCING TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCES
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 04/20/2026
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 03/31/2031

Group Awards By:

View Award Description

Advancing the Discipline of Translational Science: Professional Identity Development for Early-Stage Investigators - The Association for Clinical and Translational Science (ACTS) serves as the principal professional organization for the nation’s ~60 Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) hubs. Each year, ACTS convenes over 1,200 faculty, trainees, and community stakeholders at its flagship Translational Science (TS) meeting, a premier forum for advancing the discipline of translational science. A central mission of ACTS is to elevate translational science as a rigorous, standalone discipline- a goal that aligns closely with the priorities of the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), which has committed to sponsoring this application. As the field of translational science continues to evolve, a critical barrier to workforce development has emerged: the lack of professional identity development (PID) among early-stage investigators (ESIs). Evaluation data reveal that many ESIs gradually disengage from the field, often seeking mentorship and support within more traditionally defined disciplines. To address this gap, this R13/U13 application proposes a strategic initiative to embed PID into the professional development infrastructure of the TS meeting, thereby strengthening the translational science workforce. Our overarching goal is to cultivate a resilient, interdisciplinary cadre of translational scientists equipped to lead, collaborate, and innovate across boundaries. We propose two specific aims: Aim 1: Establish a professional development pathway for ESIs and mid-career investigators that addresses discipline-agnostic challenges and strengthens PID. We will design and implement a competency-aligned professional development pathway tailored to ESIs and mid-career investigators. This pathway will be open to all TS2026 attendees and will feature expert-led, skill- building workshops that address discipline-agnostic challenges. Each session will integrate PID principles through reflective exercises, peer-to-peer dialogue, and activities that align personal values with the ethos of translational science. Networking activities will include PID principles, providing opportunities for ESIs to explore their evolving roles, share experiences, and build supportive interdisciplinary partnerships spanning translational stages that reinforce a shared sense of purpose and belonging within the scientific community. Aim 2: Conduct a comprehensive, mixed-methods evaluation to assess impact and strengthen PID in CTS. We will launch a multi-year, mixed-methods evaluation framework to assess the impact of PID programming and inform continuous improvement. In Year 1 (the R13), we will conduct a qualitative study to define core PID characteristics and contextual factors unique to translational science. This evidence base will guide future programming and contribute to the broader understanding of PID in interdisciplinary research environments. By embedding PID into the professional development architecture of the TS meeting, ACTS will address a pressing national need: cultivating a robust, identity-driven translational science workforce capable of accelerating innovation and improving human health.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2026 ( Subtotal = $25,000 )
2026	2026	ASSOCIATION FOR CLINICAL AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE	2001 K ST NW	WASHINGTON	DC	20006	DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA	USA	National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences	000	1	4/27/2026	NEW	$25,000
														Subtotal = $25,000

Grand Total All Awards = $25,000

Top

All Categories

About

Search

Reports

Data Submission

Award Information

Advancing the Discipline of Translational Science: Professional Identity Development for Early-Stage Investigators

Award Number: U13TR006307

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL CENTER FOR ADVANCING TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCES

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 04/20/2026

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 03/31/2031

Federal Websites

Department of Health & Human Services

HHS Operating Divisions

HHS Staff Divisions

Download A Document Viewer