Washington University Institute of Clinical and Translational Sciences

Overall Component, 7. Project Summary/Abstract: The Institute of Clinical and Translational Sciences aligns with the CTSA goals of developing innovative solutions to improve the efficiency, quality, and impact of translational science. We will pursue five aims: Aim 1: Advance interdisciplinary programs to develop, promote, mentor, and retain highly qualified faculty, trainees, and staff who translate scientific discoveries into action, thereby becoming agents for change in their institutions and communities. We will enhance our existing research education and training programs, expand our workforce, and promote team science approaches to conduct and translate high-impact research that has the potential for changing the health of our community. (Translational Workforce Development). Aim 2: Facilitate research designed for implementation by engaging communities and stakeholders in multidisciplinary collaborative teams at all stages of the translational research process, thereby demonstrating the benefit and impact of translational science. We will improve community health by collaborating with patient advocates, developing new partnerships, advancing the science of collaboration, and capitalizing on strengths in implementation science (Collaboration and Engagement). Aim 3: Integrate research across individual lifespans and apply translational science in multiple populations to improve individual and community health through meaningful research collaborations and sustainable partnerships. We will address health needs across the lifespan, identify challenges that affect various populations, catalyze the formation of transdisciplinary teams, and evaluate the outcomes of our work (Integration). Aim 4: Drive innovation, quality, and efficiency in translational research to enhance collaborations and catalyze the implementation of discovery science. We will solve key logistical roadblocks in translational science and implement innovative methods to engage stakeholders and research participants, thereby targeting different populations, life stages, and health states (Methods and Processes). Aim 5: Apply innovative informatics and biostatistics solutions to improve quality and efficiency at every stage of translational research and create an ecosystem that integrates various types of data and facilitates the interoperability, use, and reuse of digital assets. We will ensure the interoperability of current and archived data sets, implement new informatics technologies to enhance investigator productivity, and promote the formation of interdisciplinary research teams (Informatics). Impact. Successful completion of these five aims will transform translational research, accelerate the dissemination of new innovations across our entire population, and strengthen our workforce.