The CCTS supports translational science pilot projects surrounded by a framework that incorporates translational science principles, such as cross-disciplinary team science and boundary crossing partnerships.

Bench to bedside, the Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS) seeks to improve well-being and health equity in communities across the Deep South through collaborative partnerships and scientific innovation. Aligned with this mission, the CCTS Biostatistics Epidemiology and Research Design (BERD) and Informatics Initiatives seek applications proposing the development of novel statistical and computational approaches and related methodologic innovations that bridge the gap between data and clinical application.

Applications are invited from investigators developing novel methodology, including but not limited to statistical methods, clinical trial design, statistical genetics, approaches to the integration of quantitative and qualitative data analysis (i.e., mixed methods), clinical informatics and bioinformatics methods relevant to translational research. The methodologic developments should have the potential for implementation and application by other researchers. Priority will be given to applications that develop innovative measurement and/or analytic methods addressing health challenges pertinent to the CCTS mission.

The Drug Discovery and Device Development Program represents a collaboration among the CCTS, the UAB Heersink School of Medicine, the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center, and the Alabama Drug Discovery Alliance (ADDA). It currently has several projects underway at different stages of development ranging from assay development and validation, high-throughput screening (HTS), lead identification and development, and a Phase I clinical trial.

The program also supports an annual Drug Discovery Research Award--projects are identified on a competitive basis in a two-stage application process overseen by ADDA. Funding typically involves at least two partners, including CCTS and Southern Research, a not-for-profit institution with an internationally recognized track record in drug discovery and development. Eligibility for the award has been for scientists affiliated with UAB or Southern Research. Efforts are underway to explore how CCTS partner institutions can work together with Southern Research to initiate similar research initiatives and high throughput screening campaigns for novel targets of interest.

Drug Discovery Research Award

Grants are for $50,000 per year for 2 years, with the second year of funding dependent on progress made in the first year. Funds can be utilized for various aspects of drug discovery and development for any human disease, including - but not limited to - assay development for high-throughput screening (HST), molecular modeling and medicinal chemistry efforts, or proof of concept studies in animals with newly discovered lead molecules.

Upon funding, a multidisciplinary team is assembled, consisting of members with relevant expertise, including cell biology, pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, HTS assay development as well as clinical knowledge. This team, which meets quarterly, helps create a compound progression pathway and guide the project through the drug discovery and development pipeline.

In addition to scientific merit, applications are evaluated for intellectual property and commercialization aspects, in collaboration with the UAB Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and Southern Research.

Click here to view previous drug discovery research awardees. 

The NIH's National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences supports several funding mechanisms. Please note that some of NCATS funding opportunities are limited submissions that require coordination with the CCTS, while others are independent. If you're unsure, please connect with the CCTS (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

• All National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) Funding Opportunities

SBIRs and STTRs help small businesses engage in R&D that has a strong potential for technology commercialization. Both of these programs aim to stimulate technological innovation and increase private sector commercialization of innovations developed through federal R&D funding. Browse below to learn more about the differences between SBIRs and STTRs, as well as additional information on who can and how to apply to these programs, both at the NIH and NSF.

• SBIR and STTR Critical Differences | NIH SBIR/STTR
• SBIR/STTR Timeline

Limited Competition: High Impact Specialized Innovation Programs (RC2; PAR-24-054)

• Application Due Dates: 

  2024: September 13

  2025: January 13, May 19, September 15

  2026: January 13, May 18, September 14

• Special Notes: 

  The CCTS is eligible to support up to two (2) awards; Final selection is determined by the NIH.

Notice of Intent to Re-issue Limited Competition: Research Education Grants Programs (R25; NOT-TR-24-013)

• Application Due Dates: 

  2025: January 27

Notice of Intent to Re-issue Limited Competition: Collaborative and Innovative Acceleration Award (UG3/UH3; NOT-TR-24-028)

• Application Due Dates: 

  2025: February 17

• NIH Covid-Related Funding Opportunities

• Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) Funding Opportunities

• Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Programs Solicitation Listing

• CCTS Research Fellowships