Translational Research Scholars Program

The Institute for Translational Sciences supports the Translational Research Scholars Program (TRSP), which prepares scientists to become independent investigators and improves understanding of disease mechanisms, prevention, and treatment. Scholars from across the institution form a peer group and benefit from interactions within the group as they pursue the common goal of becoming funded researchers. The program focuses on building the skills required to submit high quality grant applications in a structured and mentored environment. It also provides advanced training in lab management, grant management, navigating promotion and tenure, and planning for a successful competitive renewal application. Scholars pursue individual, defined programs of education and skills development under the guidance of mentors of their own choosing. The process may also include earning a M.S. or Ph.D. degree through the Clinical Science Graduate Program. The endpoint of the program is attainment of independent funding from NIH or other funding agency. 

Collaborating Programs include various career development programs supported within UTMB departments as well as other NIH grant awards. These include: the ITS Translational Research Scholars Career Development Program (NIH-KL2TR001441), UTMB Building Interdisciplinary Research Careers in Women’s Health (NIH-K12HD052023), the Rehabilitation Research Career Development Program (NIH-K12HD055929), and the UTMB Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center (NIH-P30AG024832). 

Directors

TRSP Directors

Brian Downer, PhD

Celeste Finnerty, PhD

Celeste Finnerty, PhD