NIH awards nearly $23M to University of Chicago for translationa...(NIH's Roadmap. CTSA applicants were en...)

For this purpose, the University of Chicago created the Institute for Translational Medicine (ITM). Under Solway's direction, the ITM will operate across academic departments to generate new methods, tools and systems of discovery. The ITM will also interface closely with the committee on clinical and translational science, which will offer a novel curriculum in clinical and translational research.

The specific objectives of the ITM are to:

• Prepare physicians and scientists for careers in translational research.

• Create a seamless career path for young faculty seeking translational investigator status.

• Encourage high school, college, and allied health professions students to seek careers in translational research.

• Provide state-of-the-art resources for translational research, including access to expertise n clinical trial design, biostatistics, epidemiology, ethics, informatics, and regulatory issues.

• Provide comprehensive medical ethics training for current and future clinical and translational researchers.

• Provide a home for collaboration between departments and cooperating institutions.

• Enhance communication among investigators.

• Define the key genetic determinants of common, complex disorders.

• Utilize a systems medicine approach to treat common, complex disease.

The Medical Center is also preparing to launch a multi-faceted Urban Health Initiative (UHI), which will engage the community in developing clinical and community research agendas; involve community organizations in that research; accelerate the translation of health knowledge and expertise into and out of our community; and strive to reduce health disparities.

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