The Clinical and Translational Science Initiative (CTSI) is a key research initiative within the University of Arizona. Its mission is to accelerate the translation of scientific discoveries into practical applications that improve human health. The CTSI provides critical infrastructure and services - including biostatistics, bioinformatics, clinical trial support, and regulatory guidance - to advance translational science from laboratory research to clinical and community health settings. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) defines Translational Science as "the field of investigation focused on understanding the scientific and operational principles underlying each step of the translational process.” The goal of Translational Science is to develop generalizable principles to accelerate translational research” thereby turning “science into health.”

The CTSI also promotes workforce development through pilot funding, training programs, and mentorship opportunities for the next generation of clinical and translational researchers. Importantly, CTSI builds partnerships with communities across the Southwest to ensure research is relevant and impactful.

The CTSI will unify University of Arizona resources in CTS infrastructure, facilities, workforces, training programs, and multi-sector collaborations to ensure that this mission benefits Arizona communities. This vision is implemented with a strong partnered organizational commitment to advancing research strengths by facilitating sharing of resources and expertise, resulting in streamlined translational research-related processes. The envisioned result will be improved health outcomes and reduced disease burdens for Arizonans.

CTSI programs will develop new tools, technologies, and best practices to serve human health and expedite and accelerate the pathway from laboratory to clinical practice—and into our communities through clinical studies. In partnership with our community, CTSI programs will identify challenges and create solutions to improve health care and human health delivery. In parallel, the Initiative will provide investigators with assets and resources for translational science, including opportunities for pilot funding and career development. This infrastructure will enable more rapid scientific discovery to enhance human health. The CTSI fosters innovative training of a scientific workforce, with an emphasis on building team science and scientific competency. In addition, the Initiative will sponsor regular visiting professorships, a quarterly seminar series highlighting the best minds in translational science, and several programs supporting the career development of junior faculty, graduate, and undergraduate students.

Initiative membership is a broad community open to all faculty across the University of Arizona whose research can benefit from the organizational services and whose goals match those of the CTSI. As translational science is disseminated across Arizona, membership may be extended to faculty in collaborating institutions, healthcare providers, industry, foundations, and community organizations.

CONTACT US

VIEW ALL EVENTS ON THE CALENDAR