Translational Science Training and Education Resources

Translational science bridges the gap between scientific discoveries and improved patient care. There is a need for training and education resources to equip researchers with the necessary skills and knowledge to accelerate the translation of biomedical innovations. Our primary goal for the training and education resources is to grow a skilled workforce capable of effectively navigating the complex landscape of translational research. 

NCATS Flagship Online Course – Principles of Preclinical Translational Science: A Case Study from Cancer Drug Discovery and Development

This short online course provides an overview of core concepts in effective preclinical translational science, using an engaging case study-based teaching approach. This course is proven effective at teaching complex concepts to a broad and diverse range of learners. These include trainees from postbacs through postdocs, scientists across career stages, and administrators and patient advocates involved in the translational science space.

Course faculty teach effective practices in translation through the story of a highly successful translational research partnership involving NCATS, the National Cancer Institute (NCI), Northwestern University and the University of Kansas. The partnership created a promising potential drug — called metarrestin — shown to stop cancer spread in animal models; the compound currently is being tested in clinical trials. The faculty include more than a dozen leading scientists at NCATS and NCI who worked on this project. They teach effective practices for preclinical drug discovery and development by sharing the story of the work they conducted through this partnership.

Students will leave the course with a deeper understanding of translational science, and many principles and strategies for effective preclinical translational science. Course learning objectives include the following:

• Understand the definitions and goals of translational research and translational science.
• Identify core principles of translational science that characterize effective approaches to advance progress along the translational pipeline.
• Learn a range of preclinical strategies that reflect these core principles.
• Learn about the research process involved in advancing a scientific discovery to a promising compound to be tested in clinical trials.
• Learn about the varied roles of different disciplines and agencies — including industry, government agencies and academia — in advancing translational research and effective approaches for cross-disciplinary collaboration and cross-sectoral partnerships.

Learn more about the course:

• Read the course syllabus (PDF – 76KB).

Learn about the course design, use and evaluation:

• Teaching Principles of Translational Science to a Broad Scientific Audience Using a Case Study Approach: A Pilot Course from the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences — This article describes the pedagogical rationale, design and implementation of the course. It offers strategies and lessons learned for developing educational opportunities in translational science for participants across training and career stages and professions.
• Evaluation of an Online Case Study–Based Course in Translational Science for a Broad Scientific Audience: Impacts on Students' Knowledge, Attitudes, Planned Scientific Activities and Career Goals — This article shares methods and findings from the course evaluation. It also reflects on needed directions in the evaluation of translational science education and training opportunities. Supplementary materials include the complete evaluation instruments.

Assay Guidance Manual

The Assay Guidance Manual (AGM) is a free, comprehensive online resource that provides guidance and best practices for the development and optimization of high-quality assays for drug discovery and development. It serves as a practical manual for scientists and researchers involved in assay development, screening and optimization processes.

Read publications about the AGM initiative:

• Assay Guidance Manual: Quantitative Biology and Pharmacology in Preclinical Drug Discovery
• The NCATS Assay Guidance Manual Programme: Advancing the Practice and Rigour of Preclinical Translation

Translational Science Resources

• Preclinical Research Toolbox — We have tools and resources to help scientists carry out preclinical research.
• Clinical Research Toolbox — We offer a range of clinical research tools that help with trial design, participant recruitment and regulatory compliance.
• About Translational Science — Our mission is to turn research observations into health solutions through translational science.