Translational Science Branch

The Translational Science Branch is dedicated to fostering and improving translational science at the University and beyond. The branch manages the pilot program grants to kickstart translational science projects, is the incubator for strategic initiatives at the institute, manages the UR CTSI external grant portfolio, and more.

Translational Science

Translational science is the field that creates innovations to overcome challenges and barriers present in translational research, leading to more and faster developments of effective treatments and health interventions. Translational science can be done intentionally or inherently. It is a relatively young field that specifically focuses on improving processes in a scalable and replicable way. However, researchers often seek to improve efficiencies and increase productivity in order to get better and faster results as a matter of course. By focusing on translational science as a discipline, UR CTSI seeks to improve processes, practice, and outcomes for researchers, specifically those working in health care research. Translational science improves and speeds translational research, with the potential for application across many fields and disciplines. 

UR CTSI offers Introduction to Translational Science as a free course to University personnel.

The NIH National Center for Advancing Translational Science offers explainers, resources, publications, and events related to translational science.

Translational research takes scientific discovery and develops applications, specifically in health care contexts.

Programs

Pilot Funding for Translational Science

UR CTSI has re-tooled many of its pilot programs into new, streamlined, and accessible sources of funding for URMC researchers interested in starting projects involving translational science. The branch has also developed a new internal review process to reduce the burden on both applicant and reviewers while maximizing the application's potential to succeed. Find the pilots in our funding directory.

Internal Research Portfolio and Grant Management

The Translational Science Branch is the administrative home to internal translational science research efforts. UR CTSI faculty, led by the co-directors, are developing translational science projects to improve and expand the field, involving local and national collaborative efforts. Because translational science projects require intensive resources, the branch will support these research and grant writing and management efforts.

Continuous Quality Improvement

The Translational Science Branch is home to the institute's Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) effort. CQI is a process based on scientific study of translational barriers and how they can be reduced or removed. In 2018, UR CTSI implemented CQI methodology based on the Objectives and Key Result (OKR) framework, which supports an engaged culture of continuous improvement. The collection and management of data and feedback drives CQI and data-based decision-making. As we develop CQI methods for translational science, we will export these findings for use among researcher teams through training and coaching.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

The Translational Science Branch works to identify ways that AI can support the NCATS priorities of “more therapies, to all people, more quickly.” The branch is focused on the research application potential of AI as well as the ethical concerns and considerations that these tools carry and supports researchers working to develop these ideas in a translational science context. Of primary concern is addressing bias in AI tools that undermine health equity and community member and clinician confidence. This concern may be addressed by research for community-oriented, ethical design of AI tools and their applications.

Research Spotlight

Celebrate Overcoming Research Barriers at Translational Science Day on October 29

To showcase those who have overcome translational barriers and to highlight the services and support available to researchers at URMC, the Clinical and Translational Science Institute is hosting Translational Science Day on October 29.

Branch Leadership

Rebecca Laird, M.B.A., M.Div

Rebecca is the operations director for the Translational Science Branch and the assistant director of administration at UR CTSI.

Karen Wilson, MD, MPH

Karen is the co-strategic lead for the Translational Science Branch and co-director of UR CTSI.
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Martin Zand, MD, MPH

Martin is the co-strategic lead for the Translational Science Branch and co-director of UR CTSI.
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