• Aug 27 2026

Applications open for CCTS K12 research career development program

UK Center for Clinical and Translational Science K12 Program: Mentored Research Career Development. Applications open now. Apply by Oct. 7

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 27, 2026) — The University of Kentucky Center for Clinical and Translational Science is opening applications for a two-year career development program designed to help early-career faculty launch independent research careers. Known as the CCTS K12 Career Development Program, the award is funded through the National Institutes of Health Clinical and Translational Science Award mechanism. 

Applications are due Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026, at 5 p.m. ET. Selected scholars will begin their awards on Nov. 1, 2026.

Early-career faculty from any college across the University of Kentucky are eligible to apply. The program is designed to assist investigators in developing a translational science research program through a structured framework including academic coursework, mentored research, leadership training and multidisciplinary teamwork. The overarching goal is to prepare scholars to obtain an individual career development award (such as an NIH K award) or an independent investigator award (such as an R01).

"Early-career faculty are the engine of research innovation," said Dr. Katherine Hartmann, director of the CCTS. "The K12 provides investigators across all colleges with the protected time, structured mentorship, and resources essential for establishing a thriving, independent research career. We encourage scholars from all disciplines to explore this opportunity."

CCTS career development awards have helped accelerate the research programs of many investigators at UK: 

  • Laurie McLouth, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist and researcher with the UK Markey Cancer Center, was one of 11 emerging leaders in cancer research and innovation included in the first cohort of Cancer Moonshot Scholars. Read more »

  • Michael Samaan, Ph.D, an assistant professor of biomechanics, studies a painful hip condition known as femoroacetabular impingement syndrome. Read more »

  • Physician-scientist Mary Sheppard, M.D., studies Marfan syndrome and aortic disease and was named co-associate director of the UK Saha Aortic Center. Read more »

  • Amy Meadows, M.D., a pediatrician and child psychiatrist, investigates effects of trauma and anxiety on adherence in pediatric type 1 diabetes and was highlighted by the Cleveland Clinic. Read more »

Individuals selected for the program receive substantial two-year support, including salary coverage, research funding and dedicated travel allowances to accelerate career growth. Awardees commit 75% of their total professional effort to research and career development, though clinicians in procedure-intensive specialties may request a reduction to 50% effort. In addition to funding and protected research time, scholars gain direct access to comprehensive CCTS research support including biostatistics, informatics, clinical facilities and participant recruitment. For detailed funding parameters and budget guidelines, visit the CCTS K12 program webpage.

 

Eligibility requirements

The program is open to early-career faculty with a full-time, permanent faculty position in any college or department across the University of Kentucky by the start date of Nov. 1, 2026.

Candidates must have a qualifying doctoral degree, meet NIH career development citizenship requirements, and have no prior history as principal investigator on major federal research or career awards. Review full eligibility checklists and guidelines on the RFA.
 

Informational sessions and application information

Application components, formatting instructions and submission portals are now available online. Visit the CCTS K12 Career Development Program webpage to review and submit application materials. 

The CCTS will host two virtual informational sessions via Microsoft Teams to outline proposal development, formatting, and review processes:

  • Monday, Aug. 31, 2026, from noon to 1 p.m. ET

  • Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. ET

To join the informational sessions, use the event links on the CCTS K12 event page. Registration is not required. 

Inquiries regarding eligibility or application procedures can be directed to Victoria L. King, Ph.D., CCTS career development director, at vicky.king@uky.edu.

 

Media Contact: Mallory Profeta, mallory.profeta@uky.ed

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