Funding Opportunities

The Academic Health Center (AHC) has allocated dedicated pilot funds to the Center for Translational Medicine (CTM) for the exclusive purpose of translating discoveries by UMN investigators into phase I studies. These funds will be used to support the testing (in vitro and in vivo preclinical studies through Phase 1), manufacturing (process development through GMP-manufacturing), and regulatory (pre-IND meetings through IND development and Phase 1 implementation) aspects of translational development. The application and selection process are outlined below. You can visit the CTM website or contact the scientific director, Robert J. Schumacher, PhD, for more details or more information about how the CTM supports translational development.

Eligibility and preliminary review

UMN investigator-initiated translational research projects and treatment strategies are eligible. Prior to the submission of an application the scientific director will meet with the basic science investigator to review available data, potential clinical applications, and need for GMP production and will develop a preliminary preclinical development plan. The CTM will then work with the investigator to determine whether the project is ready for submission, and if not, what data or considerations need to be fulfilled before an application is filed.

Application process

Applications can be made at any time after the preliminary review is complete. A brief application (e.g. 3-5 pages) summarizing key data is submitted, along with an NIH biosketch, a list of collaborating investigators and project funding. The completed application is distributed to the CTM Scientific Advisory Board, which consists of senior AHC faculty who serve as the directors of a diverse array of institutes, centers, departments, and programs. This is followed by a formal presentation to the Scientific Advisory Board and member deliberations.

Selection criteria

Selection criteria include: scientific merit, developmental feasibility, clinical impact, resource and expertise requirements, regulatory pathway and current or potential funding sources.