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

> **NIH TR U13** · ASSOCIATION FOR CLINICAL AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE · 2026 · $25,000

## Abstract

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 pe

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 11392067
- **Project number:** 1U13TR006307-01
- **Recipient organization:** ASSOCIATION FOR CLINICAL AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE
- **Principal Investigator:** Allan R. Brasier; Felicity T. B. Enders
- **Activity code:** U13 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** TR
- **Fiscal year:** 2026
- **Award amount:** $25,000
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2026-04-20T00:00:00 → 2031-03-31T00:00:00

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11392067

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 11392067, Advancing the Discipline of Translational Science: Professional Identity Development for Early-Stage Investigators (1U13TR006307-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-07-02 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/11392067. Licensed CC0.

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