About the CCTS

Accelerating Discoveries, Improving Health

Kentucky and Appalachia experience some of the nation's most severe health disparities: Eight of thirteen counties recently found to have a declining life expectancy are in the Commonwealth, and the region is currently the epicenter of the opioid epidemic, with overdose deaths in Kentucky hitting record highs in 2017. Through research funding, training, infrastructure, and community engagement, we facilitate innovative team science to address these and other critical health issues. 

JAMA Map 2017

Since 2006, the CCTS has catalyzed clinical and translational discoveries through an integrated, transformative research environment aimed at improved health, with emphasis on Central Appalachia.

Timeline of CCTS evolution from 2006-2011

 

 

Our Impact

20:1

ROI for Pilot Funding Program 

71

National Partnerships through 2019

78%

Pilot Awardees with at Least One Publication 

In the News

  • Logo for the DREAM Program: In large blue text is the word Dream, with the whole in the D shaped as a white four-point star, and then three smaller four-point stars appear at the end of the word, just above the M. Below, in smaller black text, the meaning of the DREAM acronym is spelled out: Disparities Researchers Equalizing Access for Minorities.
    • Oct 3 2025

    LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 3, 2025) – The University of Kentucky Center for Clinical and Translational Science is pleased to announce the 2025 cohort of DREAM Scholars.

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    • Sep 29 2025

    LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 29, 2025) – The University of Kentucky Center for Clinical and Translational Science is pleased to announce the 20205 cohort of TL1 awardees.

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    • Jun 23 2025

    Lexington, Ky. (June 23, 2025) —Registration is now open for the August 2025 CCTS Clinical Research Coordinator 101 course, which will be held in-person from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in Healthy Kentucky Research Building (HKRB) Room 150. 

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