Call for Element E Translational Science Projects
Alert
Applications now being accepted through Nov. 30, 2025.
UCLA Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) invites submissions for its Element E Project. From among these applications, the CTSI will invite selected finalists to engage in a collaborative process that seeks to develop, refine, and strengthen proposed projects in translational science resulting in awards ranging from $125,00 to $500,000 per year.
The purpose of this pilot funding is to support an innovative project that has the potential to scale to larger translational science initiatives with the CTSI. The CTSI expects to include funded projects in its 2026 grant renewal application.
| Key Deadlines | Date |
|---|---|
| 1-page specific aims and biosketch(es) of PIs due | November 30, 2025 |
| 10-page proposal due from finalists | January 16, 2026 |
| Final editing of the selected project(s) for inclusion in UM1 submission | By May 2026 |
Element E Projects Requirements:
- Must address a translational research barrier
- May focus on 1 disease/condition but should have relevance to other diseases/conditions.
- Must address how project will improve the effectiveness, efficiency, and/or engagement in translational research
- The research project is suggested to be 2-3 years in length
- Direct costs on projects can range from $125,000-500,000 per year
For additional details: See the UM1 FOA
Applications should be submitted to ctsicatalyst@mednet.ucla.edu no later than 11:59PM on November 30, 2025. Submissions must include the following:
- 1-page specific aims and biosketch(es) of PIs due November 30, 2025
Finalists:
- Finalists will be asked to complete a 10-page proposal due January 16, 2026.
- Final selected project may require further editing through May 2026 for inclusion in UM1 application.
To help develop your application, please refer to the following distinctions between translational science and translational research:
Translational Science
- Understanding the scientific and operational principles/barriers underlying each step of the translational process.
- Development of generalizable methods to overcome barriers to translational research, which can be applied to translational research across diseases, conditions, treatments, health care delivery settings, and populations
Translational Research
- Traversing a particular step from basic science to the discovery toward improved diagnosis and treatment of a disease, i.e. from bench to bedside to populations.
- Often focuses on 1 disease and 1 step of the process.
The principal investigator (PI) must hold a faculty appointment at one of the CTSI sites (UCLA, Cedars-Sinai, Lundquist/Harbor, Charles Drew). A community partner may co-lead a project. Proposals from multi-disciplinary, cross-site teams will be the most competitive.
About UCLA CTSI: UCLA Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) provides the infrastructure to bring UCLA innovations and resources to bear on the greatest health needs of Los Angeles and the nation. It is a dynamic partnership among UCLA-Westwood, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, the Burns and Allen Research Institute at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. CTSI-affiliated institutions are VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Olive View-UCLA Medical Center and Santa Monica-UCLA Medical Center. UCLA CTSI is one of over 50 NIH-funded CTSIs nationwide.