Research Education and Career Development Branch

The UR CTSI is dedicated to training the next generation of clinical and translational researchers. The Research Education and Career Branch oversees educational programs tailored to pre- and post-doctoral students, faculty at all career stages, and research staff, as well as the KL2, K12, and TL1 grants to support research. For questions or more information on our educational offerings, contact CTSI_education@urmc.rochester.edu.

Teams & Programs

PhD in Translational Biomedical Science

The Research Education and Career Development Branch oversees the PhD program in Translational Biomedical Science, an interdisciplinary and multi-faceted approach to training researchers in translational science. Mentors participating in the program come from a wide array of scientific disciplines, which allows trainees to have unique experiences. Trainees receive robust instruction in biostatistics, epidemiology, laboratory methods, human subjects research, and analytical procedures essential to translational research, and participate in three research rotations before earing their PhD.

Bachelor of Science in Clinical and Translational Sciences

Undergraduate students at the University of Rochester can major in Clinical and Translational Sciences (CTSC), a collaborative effort between the UR CTSI and the College of Arts, Sciences and Engineering. The major provides students with in-depth instruction in the fundamental skills, methodology, and principles of clinical and translational research as well as formal laboratory experiences, and specific ongoing guidance on the process of translational science and emerging developments in the field. Students will gain knowledge of a range of scientific disciplines allowing them to effectively communicate and collaborate across multidisciplinary teams. They will also gain an understanding of the challenges that are common to all clinical and translational research projects and their potential solutions.

Research Seminar in Translational Sciences

One of the hallmarks of the Clinical and Translational Sciences major is the CTSC299 Research Seminar in Translational Sciences, which is open to juniors and seniors only. In this seminar course, students will learn the principles of translational science (the field of investigation that is focused on understanding the scientific and operational principles underlying each step of the translational research process) as well as gain practical skills in translational research (research that turns observations in the laboratory, clinic and community into interventions that improve the health of individuals and the public).

For this two-semester research seminar, students will conduct the equivalent of six credits of independent research (~10 hours per week) with one or more faculty members or research labs, supplemented by lectures covering the basic principles of translational science and weekly in-class discussion sessions. Through this research immersive experience, students will develop presentation skills and become familiar with research approaches across the translational spectrum with the help of faculty and peer mentors.

Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Research Design (BERD)

The BERD team provides support in clinical research design and analysis through the Research Methods Forum, a biostatistics consulting service, education programs, and funding for novel research methodologies.

Research Spotlight

2024 KL2 Career Development Awards Announced for Early Career Clinical and Translational Scientists

The next generation of clinical and translational scientists at URMC are receiving two years of support through the UR CTSI Career Development Award (KL2). The KL2 creates opportunity for up-and-coming researchers to design a pilot project that will lead to a K- or R-award application under the guidance of a mentorship team of experienced researchers. Four faculty are receiving a KL2 award for 2024.

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Branch Leadership

Edwin van Wijngaarden, Ph.D.

Edwin van Wijngaarden is the strategic director of the Research Education and Career Development Branch. He has published over 140 peer-reviewed manuscripts and is an associate chair with the Department of Public Health Sciences.
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Alfred Vitale, M.S., Ph.D.

Alfred Vitale is the operations director for the Research Education and Career Development Branch. Vitale holds a Ph.D. education from the Warner School and is a research assistant professor.
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