We provide learning opportunities and training for all types of researchers — from junior academics to community advocates — in areas that help accelerate the advancement of translational research.

We have a number of formal educational programs tailored specifically to interdisciplinary clinical and translational science:

• Gene Orringer Junior Faculty Career Development Program (TraCS K12) is a mentored junior faculty career development and training program that combines didactic and experiential components designed to launch researchers into careers as leaders and collaborators in translational science.

• R Writing Groups are for individuals who have not yet received an R or R-type award. These groups assist investigators with the preparation of proposals or resubmissions for NIH or other funding sources.

• Career Development Award Writing Groups guide participants through the preparation of a Career Development Award (NIH K or other sponsor) and prepare participants to mentor other individuals in the preparation of this type of application.

• Mock Reviews are grant proposal reviews set up before the proposal is submitted. They are an effective way to identify potential reviewer concerns with the proposal and to brainstorm strategies to address the concerns.

• Consultation services from TraCS faculty and staff are available. We meet with individuals to discuss careers in clinical/translational research, strategies for specific grants, ideas for mentors, and specific training needs. Request a consultation

• TraCS Professional Development Seminar — This seminar series held during the academic year is an introduction to foundational concepts important for early stage researchers and team members. The series is divided into five modules:
  1. Finding funding: basic proposal development, introduction to NIH and non-NIH funding mechanisms, pilot awards, foundation funding
  2. Communication skills: paper writing, 10-minute scientific talk, pitches, working with the media
  3. Mentor/Mentee training: eight core concepts needed for successful mentoring relationships
  4. Applied Good Clinical and Data Practices: introduction to how regulations regarding human subjects research in applied to actual projects
  5. Lessons Learned from Successful Researchers: developing a strong NIH biosketch, panel on tips for early stage researchers, time management and career strategies, non-PI roles in research

  There are two options for registration. Sign up for one module (e.g. the talks on Finding Funding) or register for all modules at once. Access registration at apps.research.unc.edu.

• Accessing courses at UNC: To obtain the most up-to-date information on formal courses offered through UNC, check the University's course catalog at catalog.unc.edu/courses. More information, such as a syllabus, can often be found on the specific department's web page. If you and/or your mentors believe a formal course is the best way to obtain training in a specific topic, there are 3 ways to enroll:
  1. Through a degree program (e.g. MPH, MSCR, etc.): Your academic program will give you instructions on enrolling.
  2. As a part-time, non-degree student: Use this option if you are not accepted into a degree program at the time you wish to take the class, but still want to take the course for academic credit. This means you will be required to pay tuition and will receive a grade reflected on a UNC transcript. For this option, you must complete an application through the Friday Center for Continuing Education at applynow.unc.edu/apply.
     A few things to remember:
     a.  If you plan to apply credits to a future degree program you should double check how many credits you can bring in from your time as a non-degree student.
     b.  Admission to part-time studies does not guarantee acceptance into a degree program.
     c.  UNC Digital and Lifelong Learning also offers continuing education options with information available at dll.unc.edu.
  3. Auditing: This means you do not pay tuition and will not receive academic credit. Permission to audit is given by each course instructor directly so you should email the course director as soon as you know you want to audit.

• For Program Directors and Mentors: TraCS faculty are available to:
  • consult at the time you are writing your grant application to develop training and evaluation plans as well as to provide letters of support
  • assist with the delivery of training within your program
  • serve on advisory or evaluation committees or mentor panels
  • coordinate efforts across campus directed at training for clinical/translational researchers

• Introductory courses in clinical/translational research: Individuals who are thinking about careers in clinical research or who need a refresher in basic concepts can take advantage of the TraCS Professional Development Seminar and/or the NIH on-line course: Introduction to the Principles and Practice of Clinical Research

• Masters of Science in Clinical Research is a 2-year degree program for those who already have a doctoral degree and who are seeking to develop the skills necessary for a successful career as a principal investigator and collaborator in clinical/translational research.

View the NC TraCS events calendar to see all scheduled learning opportunities, events and training programs for clinical and translational researchers.