Career Development Awards

At IIMS we award two different NIH funded career development awards in translational science:

• K12-Junior faculty
• TST TL1-Predoctoral fellows

What is Translational Science?

Defined by NIH NCATS: Translational Science is the field of investigation focused on understanding the scientific and operational principles underlying each step of the translational process. The Translational Science Spectrum represents each stage of research along the path from the biological basis of health and disease to interventions that improve the health of individuals and the public. The Spectrum is not linear or unidirectional; each stage builds upon and informs the others. This is the process of turning observations in the laboratory, clinic, and community into interventions that improve the health of individuals and the public–from diagnostics and therapeutics to medical procedures and behavioral changes.

Career Development Programs:

• KL2 Mentored Research Career Development Program: The two-year KL2 program provides Junior faculty scholars with educational, mentoring, and other guidance opportunities, plus 75% release time for research, designed to improve their capacity to become independent research investigators. KL2 Scholars are selected for the two-year seminar and research-oriented program on a competitive basis.
• TL1 Translational Science Training (TST) TL1 Program: The Translational Science Training (TST) TL1 Program is designed to enhance the quality and scope of the pre- and postdoctoral research experience by offering interdisciplinary training and mentorship in Translational Science. TL1 Scholars are selected for a one-year training program on the basis of a competitive application from existing predoctoral students and postdoctoral research fellows at UT Health San Antonio.