2026 CATS Scholar Award RFA

The Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS) announces the availability of the CATS Scholars Program. This is a two-year award that provides a vigorous mentoring and career development program for clinical and translational scholars in disciplines and professions such as medicine, dentistry, nursing, psychology, pharmacy, engineering, and physical & occupational therapy.

These awards will be for two years, with $20,000 in research funding each year plus 75% salary coverage starting June 1, 2026.

The CCTS CATS Scholars Program accelerates the career progression of scientists who have demonstrated a commitment to clinical and translational science.

We will consider a range of potential research projects across the clinical and health sciences and will work with funded scholars to develop and integrate an element of translational science into their project. We adopt the NIH’s National Center for Advancing Clinical Translational Science (NCATS) definition of clinical translational science: Translational science “is the field that generates innovations that overcome longstanding challenges along the translational research pipeline. These include scientific, operational, financial, and administrative innovations that transform the way research is done, making it faster, more efficient, and more impactful” (NCATS, NIH).

The translational science component of your work may:

• produce generalizable solutions for common and persistent challenges – that is, develop innovations that address persistent challenges to advancing translational progress that are found across multiple research initiatives or projects, or span research on multiple diseases or conditions
• emphasize innovation in research design and implementation in pursuit of advancing research across multiple diseases and conditions; or that emphasize innovation in research team interactions that facilitate and support the quality and impact of research
• leverage cross-disciplinary team science
• enhance the efficiency and speed of translational research by implementing evidence-informed practices and scientific and operational innovation

PRIORITY AREAS:

Although applications are welcome in the broad domains of clinical translational research, we will prioritize applications that align with NIH priorities.

In consultation with the CATS Scholars Program Co-Directors, Dr. Shane Phillips and Dr. Lisa Sharp, scholars will develop a detailed individual career development plan and establish a mentoring group that includes the primary mentor. The career development plan, which will be reviewed regularly, will serve as a guide to ensure that the scholar will develop the skills and knowledge required to succeed in a career in clinical and translational research. A specific curriculum, which may include formal and informal coursework and workshops, will be developed and customized for each scholar.

All scholars will engage in mentored research, and applicants must propose a specific research plan. Research experience may be gained in a range of settings, depending on whether the research is clinical or community-based. Externships  and experiences outside  of  UIC are also  encouraged as relevant  to the career  development of  the scholar and may be proposed at the time of the application. Candidates must propose a research plan that specifies the research questions, study approach, the expected outcomes of the research (e.g., publications, preliminary data, etc.), and timeline.

Scholars will be assisted in gaining all of the skills needed to secure external funding and are expected to make progress towards an application for extramural funding such as a K award, (e.g., K08 or K23), R03, R21, R01, or participation on a Center or Program Project grant. Ideally, by the end of one year, scholars  will  generate and submit a research proposal to the NIH or another competitive extramural funding agency.

The Scholar will be encouraged to meet with mentors regularly, e.g., on a weekly or bi-weekly basis to assure that they receive ongoing career guidance. Scholars will also be expected to participate in CATS Scholars monthly career development workshops and in other relevant workshops as offered by the Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS) and other organizations. All scholars complete an annual self-review of progress and meet annually with the CATS Scholars Executive Committee to review progress.

P.I. ELIGIBILITY:

Applicants must be junior faculty (assistant professor and below) holding a research and/or health-professional doctoral degree or its equivalent and prior research training, e.g., the MS CTS (through the CCTS), a PhD, MD, or equivalent *Postdoctoral fellows are not eligible*

 NIH requires that applicants must be United States citizens, non-citizen nationals, or individuals lawfully admitted for permanent residence who hold an Alien Registration Receipt Card (I-151 or I-551, or some other verification of legal admission as a permanent resident). Individuals on temporary or student visas are not eligible.

Those who have served as former or current principal investigators on any NIH research project grant (other than NIH Small Grants (R03) or Exploratory/ Developmental (R21) grants or their equivalents), or on any equivalent non-PHS peer-reviewed research grants that are over $100,000 direct costs per year, or as project leaders on sub-projects of program project (P01) or center grants (e.g. a P50 grant) are NOT eligible.

Candidates who have a currently pending NIH K series (i.e., K01, K08, K99, etc.) application are NOT eligible. Those who held a K previously are encouraged to inquire about their potential eligibility.

DEPARTMENT SUPPORT:

Applicants’ departments are asked to:

• Guarantee 75% protected time to the Scholar for the duration of the award, and 50% protected research time for (1) year following completion of the program
• Guarantee a high level of commitment from the Department and College.
• Mentors agree to meet regularly with Scholars to support their development, and to attend the annual scholar assessment meeting
• Mentors are encouraged to attend mentor training as offered, and will be asked to assist in career development activities for Scholars as appropriate
• Participate in all monthly career development activities as outlined in the program letter of offer

We anticipate funding two K12 Scholars, with the potential for 4-6 additional Affiliate Scholars. Affiliate Scholars participate in the full career development curriculum and mentoring program. However, their projects are funding by their home departments, rather than through the NCATS funding mechanism.

All applications will be reviewed using the following criteria:

Candidate

• Does the candidate have the potential to develop as an independent and productive researcher?
• Is the candidate’s academic, clinical, and (if relevant) research record of high quality?
• Is there evidence of the candidate’s commitment to meeting the program objectives to become an independent investigator in research?
• Do the letters of reference address the above review criteria, and do they demonstrate evidence that the candidate has a high potential for becoming an independent investigator?

Personal Statement/Career Development Plan

• Are the candidate’s career goals in line with the CATS program?
• What is the likelihood that the participation in the CATS program will contribute substantially to the development of the candidate and lead to scientific independence?
• Are the qualifications of the potential mentors appropriate?

Research Plan

• Are the proposed research question, design, and methodology of significant scientific and technical merit?
• Is the research plan relevant to the candidate’s research career objectives?
• Is the plan for developing/enhancing the candidate’s research skills appropriate and adequate?
• If applicable, are there adequate plans for data and safety monitoring of clinical trials?

Departmental/College Commitment to the Candidate

• Is there clear commitment of the department and college to ensure that a minimum of 9 person-months (75% of the candidate’s full-time professional effort) will be devoted directly to the research and career development activities described in the application?
• Is there assurance that the department intends for the candidate to be an integral part of its research program?

We highly recommend that applicants attend the How to Apply Informational Sessions and/or request a consultation to answer any questions.

Applications will ONLY be accepted via electronic submission in the Awards system (https://awards.ccts.uic.edu/)

How to Apply

CCTS ANNUAL K/CATS RFA TIMELINES

• RFA release date Monday, December 1, 2025
• Applications open: Tuesday, January 20, 2026
• Full applications due: Monday, February 23, 2026 by 5:00 PM CST
• Award notification: Thursday, April 16, 2026
• Award start date: Sunday, June 1, 2026