Director's Welcome

Welcome – Dr. C. William Balke, Director – University of Kentucky Center for Clinical and Translational Science

Welcome to the Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS) at the University of Kentucky (UK). The CCTS represents the University’s ongoing transformation of its entire clinical and translational research enterprise and constitutes the single largest interdisciplinary effort and focused investment since the university was founded in 1865. The CCTS directly involves over 241 individuals from 16 UK colleges, the Offices of the President, Provost, Executive Vice President for Health Affairs, Vice President for Research and all the components of UK HealthCare across the Commonwealth. We are joined in this effort by government agencies of the Commonwealth, academic partners in Kentucky and North Carolina, regional and national professional societies, and community practitioners and health care providers across Kentucky. This extraordinary transformation is driven by our two impact goals to (1) accelerate the translation of scientific discoveries to tangible improvements in the health and well being of the underserved populations residing in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, the Appalachian region, and throughout the nation; and (2) create and sustain the research teams of the future. By providing the infrastructure and core services essential for the execution of and training in clinical and translational science, the CCTS has established the academic home for the emerging discipline of clinical investigation and translational science at UK. Here, opportunities and resources abound whether you are an investigator at UK or with our community partners, a research participant or volunteer, or a research trainee in the early stages of your career development in clinical and translational science. Please, enjoy your virtual visit, and we hope that you avail yourself of these extraordinary opportunities in the near future.