NC TraCS supports research that advances the science of translation, helping overcome barriers that slow the movement of discoveries into practice. Our funding opportunities support investigators across the translational spectrum—from early-stage ideas to implementation at scale.

Clinical and Translational Science (CTS) Funding

NC TraCS offers two funding opportunities for advancing CTS: the CTS Pilot Program and the Innovation to Impact (i2i) Awards.

Purpose: Supports early-stage projects that improve understanding of the scientific and operational principles guiding translational research. Pilot projects are intended to:

• Explore innovative new leads, or new directions for established investigators
• Stimulate investigators from other areas to lend their expertise in research in CTS
• Provide initial support to establish proof of concept

Key details:

• Award amount: $25,000 - $50,000 in direct costs
• Project period: 1 year
• Awards available: 8 annually

Status: Accepting applications
Applications Due: 7/14/26

Purpose: Supports multi-year projects aimed at removing major translational barriers and enabling rapid implementation at UNC Health and beyond. i2i projects are intended to:

• Enhance translational research effectiveness and efficiency with hypothesis-driven CTS
• Integrate CTS with clinical and translational research
• Address critical CTS questions with potential for rapid implementation at UNC Health and beyond

Key details:

• Award amount: $125,000 in Years 1 and 2 and up to $250,000 in Year 3 in direct costs
• Project period: 3 years
• Awards available: varies

Status: Accepting applications
Concept Proposals due: 5/26/26
Full Proposals due: 10/1/26

Additional CTSA-affiliated Funding

NC TraCS also coordinates with specialized opportunities that enhance CTS through associated grants awarded to and across CTSA program hubs.

(Limited Competition) High Impact Specialized Innovation Programs in CTS (RC2)

Purpose: Supports innovation resources, activities, and expertise that advance CTS.

Key details:

• Award amount: Up to $500,000 per year in direct costs
• Project period: Up to 5 years

Status: Accepting applications
Letters of Intent due: 4/14/26

Junior Faculty Career Development Program (K12)

Purpose: Provides mentored career development in translational science for early-career faculty. Activities include translational science projects and leadership and mentoring training.

Key details:

• Award amount: Up to $120,000 per year, excluding fringe
• Project period: Up to 2 years

Status: Accepting applications

CTSA Program Collaborative Innovation Awards (CCIA)

This NCATS CCIA opportunity supports multi-CTSA teams in developing, demonstrating, and disseminating innovative solutions that overcome major barriers in translational science. These awards focus on tackling challenges that no single hub can solve alone, accelerating the movement of scientific discoveries into real‑world health solutions. Funded projects span a wide range of translational science areas including diagnostics, clinical trial design, patient‑reported outcomes, and community engagement, and reflect the NCATS CTSA Program's mission to enhance the efficiency, effectiveness, and impact of translational research.

Additional External Funding

Research Advisory Council (RAC)

The Research Advisory Council (RAC) an innovative, joint committee composed of research leaders from Novant Health, Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center, UNC Health, and the UNC School of Medicine, offers 4 funding opportunities for investigators conducting, or interested in conducting, research around health access concerns relevant to southeastern North Carolina.

• Research Capacity Building Grants — with an explicit focus on building sustainable and high impact research teams (up to $500k over 2-3 years). Not currently accepting applications.
• Promoting Health Access Research in Southeastern NC — promoting research to understand and improve relevant health challenges related to access to primary care, specialty care, community health, and optimal wellbeing (up to $50k over 1 year). Not currently accepting applications. Awards will provide up to $50,000 in funding for a 12-month project period.
• Health Access Research Training Awards — sponsoring up to ten awards to reimburse up to $500-$1,650 to fund training for investigators or their students/research staff. Awards are made on a rolling basis.
• Health Access Research Presentation Travel Fund — sponsoring up to five research travel awards to reimburse up to $1,650 each for investigators interested in presenting research around health access concerns to an academic or community outlet. Awards are made on a rolling basis.

Status: Not currently accepting applications

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