Supplement grants to the TraCS grant

Supplement grants are additional funds awarded to TraCS to support post-doctorates or junior faculty to further their research and training in translational science. Funds support salary and research for 2 years.

Two types of supplements available

1. Diversity: Individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those from groups that have been shown to be underrepresented in health-related research. Allowable costs under this program also include reasonable accommodations—such as specialized equipment, assistive devices, and personnel—to allow individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions associated with their proposed project.
2. Re-entry/re-integration: Individuals with high potential to re-enter an active research career after an interruption for family responsibilities or other qualifying circumstances. The Reintegration program specifically addresses the need to provide individuals who are affected by unsafe or discriminatory environments as a result of harassment to transition to safer, supportive research environments. Note: Applicants do not need to divulge sensitive or identifiable details in the application, but we will submit a letter from the university verifying an applicant is eligible for this supplement.

Other Eligibility Requirements

Applications must propose research that fits with the NCATS priority of translational science. Visit ncats.nih.gov/training-education/translational-science-principles for information on the difference between translational research and translational science.

Applicants may also request a consult through TraCS to discuss their ideas.

Candidates must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents at the time of application. Independent clinical trials are not allowed.

Application process and deadlines

NCATS has one deadline per year of September 15. Preparation of a supplement application relies heavily on meetings with NC TraCS programs to identify how the research and training will utilize our services. Thus, interested applicants may submit a concept paper at any time during the year to begin the process. Concept papers must be submitted no later than June of the year the applicant wishes to apply.

A concept paper (up to 2 pages) and updated NIH biosketch is needed from potential applicants. The concept paper should include the following headings:

• Type of supplement: diversity or re-entry/re-integration. If re-entry/re-integration, provide a brief statement about the timing and nature of the disruption to your work. (For example: I began my postdoc in January 2020 and between March 2020-March 2021 I was the primary caregiver for a member of my family who experienced a medical issue. This required me to travel out of state and prevented me from continuing my research in the lab.)
• Proposed research and fit with translational science
• Proposed training needs
• Names of mentor(s)

Review cycle: NCATS estimates the review time to be approximately 12 weeks. Therefore, we estimate start dates to be near the beginning of each year.

Example NCATS review considerations for full applications

1. What is the potential impact and added value of the supplement to the candidate's training, mentoring, and career development experiences?
2. Is the research project considered clinical and translational science? Are the proposed research question, design, and methodology of significant scientific and technical merit? Can the supplement project feasibly be performed within the proposed time frame?
3. What is the mentor's commitment to mentees'/trainees' scientific and professional development and career progress within the biomedical research enterprise? Does the mentor engage in service-oriented efforts beyond the needs of their own research programs? Are there demonstrable positive outcomes and a meaningful impact of mentoring?
4. Strength of prior training and how it relates to the objectives and long-term career plans of the candidate. Does the candidate have the potential to develop as an independent and productive clinical and translational science researcher? How well will the candidate be integrated in the hub's infrastructure? To what extent will the candidate interact with key investigators?

Contact Susan Pusek at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with any questions.