# NRSA Training Core

> **NIH NIH TL1** · UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM · 2020 · $742,524

## Abstract

ABSTRACT - J. TRAINING CORE (TL1). There is a growing gap between fundamental research and the
translation of this research into clinical interventions. In order improve our understanding and treatment of
human disease, it is essential to develop translational scientists that are able to move from being narrow,
project-focused disciplinary researchers into cross-disciplinary scientists and members of engaged
translational science teams. Translational science teams will allow for disciplinary barriers to be broken and
integration of unique perspectives and thought models to be incorporated so that scientific innovation can be
accelerated. Our Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS) Deep South Translational Thinker
Training Program (TL1) bridges fundamental discovery and clinical research through to population health by
enhancing interest in translational research and engaging our trainees in a curriculum that takes disciplinary
scientists and teaches them how to become multi-lingual members of cross-disciplinary translational science
teams. The overall goal of this proposal is develop future translational scientists by cultivating trainees
of diverse racial, ethnic, gender, disciplinary, and institutional backgrounds in a novel program of team
training, skill development, and community building. The CCTS TL1 has three main components: 1) the
Pre-TL1 Phase focuses on showcasing the value of translational science, the impact of clinicians and scientists
who can work in translational science teams, and on identification and recruitment of TL1 trainees; 2) the TL1
Research Phase immerses the trainee in a research experience with a skilled and productive researcher who
has an excellent mentoring track record and an actively funded research program focusing on translational
science. During this research phase that the trainees TL1 appointed trainees learn about cross-disciplinary
teams and translational thinking; and 3) the Post-TL1 Phase focuses on retention and continuing career
development for the trainees and will continue at least as long as the trainee is a member of our CCTS Partner
Institution community. Our CCTS TL1 program will train 15 pre-doctoral students annually from our Hub and
Partner Network who are enrolled in PhD, MD, DDS/DMD, DVM/VMD, PharmD, or dual-degree programs and
who are seeking a practical, cross-disciplinary introduction to clinical and translational research. This training
program design develops a community of trainees from geographic separated students, while also
emphasizing discipline-specific depth and transdisciplinary synergy. This facilitates the development of future
translational researchers who will work to reduce the diseases that disproportionately burden our Deep South
Region.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9926328
- **Project number:** 5TL1TR003106-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM
- **Principal Investigator:** Kenneth G Saag
- **Activity code:** TL1 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $742,524
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-05-06 → 2024-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9926328

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9926328, NRSA Training Core (5TL1TR003106-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9926328. Licensed CC0.

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