2024–2029 Planning
Overview
NCATS’ mission is to turn research observations into health solutions through translational science. We define translational science as the field that generates scientific and operational innovations to overcome long-standing challenges along the translational research pipeline.
The NCATS Strategic Plan for 2024–2029 will guide the center in working toward the vision of Director Joni L. Rutter, Ph.D., of more treatments for all people more quickly, and NCATS’ audacious goals in meaningful and achievable ways to move the field of translational science forward. Read more about the strategic plan in the April Director’s Message.
The strategic plan will create a roadmap for the next several years (2024–2029) and will enable planning for longer-term efforts that may be started within this time frame. The strategic plan will support NCATS’ mission, echo our values, and be bold yet attainable.
Timeline Overview
- November 2022: Kick off the development process.
- March to July 2023: Launch the initial public roundtable engagement.
- August to December 2023: Build an outline and create a draft, gather feedback on the draft plan, and finalize the plan.
- Early 2024: Begin the plan rollout and implementation.
Public Engagement Activities
NCATS wants your input — including from patients and members of the health advocacy community; basic, translational and clinical scientists at universities and research institutions; health care providers; biotechnology, venture capital and pharmaceutical industry members; colleagues at other NIH institutes, centers and offices; partners at other government agencies; policymakers; and the public — to help us identify and co-design the center’s priorities and approaches for the next 5–10 years.
Provide feedback on NCATS’ draft Strategic Plan Framework by Nov. 1, 2023: NCATS has posted a request for information (RFI) inviting public comment on the center’s Strategic Plan Framework, which will be further developed into the NCATS Strategic Plan for 2024–2029.
NCATS Strategic Plan for 2024–2029 Draft Goals
Please read the full framework, which includes draft goals, context and themes, by accessing the web form.
- Goal 1: Apply Approaches to Foster the Identification of, Development of, and Access to More Treatments
- Goal 2: Enable All People to Contribute to and Benefit From Translational Science
- Goal 3: Accelerate Translation by Addressing Both Scientific and Operational Challenges
- Goal 4: Advance Research and Operations That Cut Across Translational Science
- Goal 5: Work Together as Stewards for Translational Science
How to Submit a Response
All comments should be submitted via a web form. Filling out the web form is the preferred mode of input; however, you may also use this web form link to upload your prepared response as an attachment. Responses to this RFI will be accepted through Nov. 1, 2023.
To inform the draft Strategic Plan Framework, NCATS hosted two virtual strategic planning roundtable discussions on May 9 and 10, 2023. Dr. Rutter gave an overview of her vision for NCATS and information on the strategic plan, then participants split into four breakout groups to offer their perspectives. Discussions were based in four translational science areas: Research, Training and Education, Patient and Community Engagement, and DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility). View presentation slides (PDF - 2.3MB) and meeting summary (PDF - 344.7KB).
Contact Us
If you have additional input or questions for the 2024–2029 strategic plan, email us.
Current NCATS Strategic Plan
Read the online version (HTML)
Download the print version (PDF – 402KB)
Biennial Reports
Read the 2019-2020 Biennial Report
Read the 2017-2018 Biennial Report (PDF - 2.2MB)