Purpose

The CCTS serves a regional population heavily burdened with cardiometabolic, vascular, and cancer-related diseases. Through the CCTS Interdisciplinary Network Pilot Program, we seek to (a) ameliorate disparities in these and other conditions that disproportionally affect minority and special populations across the CCTS Partner Network and (b) develop the future translational research workforce in a spirit that fosters collaboration, team science, and innovative discovery. 

Proposals

The CCTS invites proposals that address scientific questions consistent with the Center’s mission at any “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” as described in NCATS’ Translational Science Spectrum. 

Important Note: The CCTS Mission defines the concept of health disparities more broadly than “vulnerable groups” or “underserved populations.” CCTS characterizes such differences in health and health outcomes by considering multiple dimensions, including ancestry (race, ethnicity), biology (genetic admixture), geography (urban, rural), age (young, aged), or socioeconomics (education, income). 

To be responsive to the CCTS Pilot Program’s RFA, projects should be set in the context of health conditions that disproportionately affect our region based on one or more of these considerations. The study design may, but is not required to, compare two dimensions. A project may also attempt to better understand the biologic mechanism that may influence such differential outcomes.

Please consult the 2019 Request for Applications (RFA) for all instructions and guidelines before submitting your application to the CCTS Interdisciplinary Network Pilot Program. 

Special Consideration

For the 2019 pilot awards, special consideration will be given to projects that:

• bring together investigators across two or more partner institutions
• investigate the operational principles underlying each step of the translational process
• address scientific questions of particular importance to the health of our communities, including health disparities, health challenges across the life course (e.g., premature birth, pediatrics, geriatrics), health literacy and/or numeracy, and environmental factors related to health and/or
• involve community engaged research, population health investigation or innovative approaches to promote efficiency in participant recruitment to clinical studies

Two-Phase Application Process

All instructions and guidelines for submitting an application to the CCTS Interdisciplinary Network Pilot Program are included in the 2019 RFA. We strongly encourage applicants to consult the RFA prior to beginning the application process. 

1. Pre-Application
A pre-application is required by this mechanism. Pre-applications will be scored on the NIH 9-point scale. Investigators with the highest scored proposals will be invited to submit a full application. Chrome is the preferred browser for this REDCap submission form, which may be accessed at https://redcap.dom.uab.edu/surveys/?s=XKRYLHKE34.

2. Full Application
The Full Application online submission form link will be shared with those investigators invited to submit a full application. Applicants will work with expert consultants and peer reviewers to sharpen their science prior to Full Application submission.

Award announcements are anticipated on April 1, 2019.

Questions? Please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 205-975-9273.

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