Turning Science into Health: Improving the Innovation Process

Request for Applications (RFA)

APPLICATIONS DUE: Thursday, April 16, 2026 by 1:00 p.m. CT

Program Overview

The goal of this RFA is to improve the way that scientific discoveries turn into new solutions for human health. By streamlining the process of translation, new innovations will reach more people, more quickly and have a greater impact on human health.

Translating scientific discoveries is a complex journey and can vary by type of innovation and intended use. However, there are common challenges that researchers face including progressing through stages of development and testing and getting to real-world use/impact. These bottlenecks make the process slow, expensive, frustrating, and delay or prevent promising new solutions from reaching the people who need them most.

This RFA is intended to support projects that aim to understand and address these common translational roadblocks. Projects are expected to develop generalizable principles or solutions that can be broadly applied to the process of translation across multiple use cases (indications, therapeutic areas, innovations, organizations, and contexts).

Project Eligibility

Responsive projects should address broadly applicable challenges in the translational process and generate insights, tools, or frameworks that are generalizable beyond a single disease or application.

Competitive projects will aim to:

Identify a challenge or opportunity: Clearly define a specific scientific or operational challenge encountered during the process of translation. Provide evidence to support or validate the identified challenge (e.g. literature, prior experience, stakeholder input, preliminary observations, etc). This should not be a broad problem category (e.g. clinical trial recruitment), but rather a clearly defined and actionable challenge or opportunity.
Propose a pilot study: Design a study to better understand the challenge or to develop and/or test innovative solutions to address it. Projects are typically early-stage, feasibility or proof-of-concept studies that generate actionable insights into improving the process of translation. Demonstration projects in a specific use case are allowable if they have a clear path to broader use.
Plan for broad application: Describe how key insights or solutions from the project could be broadly applied beyond the immediate study context. Explain how others (e.g. researchers, clinicians, stakeholders, health systems, etc.) could adopt or adapt them for broad use across additional contexts, settings, populations, diseases, etc.

Examples of responsive projects from previous RFP cycles include:

Understanding common challenges encountered by innovators developing new healthcare innovations
Designing models to improve effectiveness and scalability of public health interventions
Testing strategies to support successful translation of new health care innovations
Developing methods to increase the adoption and implementation of new therapeutic approaches and interventions
Understanding and addressing challenges to research participation
Integrating clinical decision support tools into real-world clinical workflows
Develop coordinated care models to improve healthcare access, delivery and outcomes
Creating tools to improve engagement and communication among patients and providers

Projects that align with emerging national translational funding priorities are encouraged. Examples may include, but are not limited to:

Developing real-world data integration platforms or analytical tools applicable across multiple research areas
Validating AI/ML or other analytical tools that improve translational predictivity, decision-making, or efficiency
Testing methods that improve replication, reproducibility, or generalizability of biomedical research
Creating novel human biology-based testing models (e.g. organ-on-chip, in silico, or hybrid systems) that improve clinical predictivity

Applicants are encouraged to incorporate key stakeholder (patient, provider, innovator, etc.) perspectives into their proposed project plan. For example:

Projects that aim to increase provider adoption are encouraged to seek input from the providers.
Projects that aim to develop tools for patient education are encouraged to seek input from patient users.

For more specific examples of eligible project types see the FAQs.

This program is not intended to support:

Projects focused on studying or developing a solution for a specific disease that is not broadly applicable to the treatment of other diseases or the process of translation.
Basic, discovery science projects, or translational research projects focused specifically on a particular target or disease.

Applicant Eligibility

All full-time faculty, staff, or researchers at the UMN (system-wide, all campuses) such as professors, instructors, clinician scientists, fellows, post-docs, trainees, etc. and who have completed UMN PI training, may serve as the Principal Investigator. Full-time staff or researchers at affiliated sites: VA, Hennepin Healthcare Research Institute, HealthPartners, and Children’s of Minnesota with a UMN appointment are also eligible to serve as Principal Investigator. For questions about eligibility, contact the ODAT office at [email protected].

Award Information

Up to 4 awards issued per year.
Awards are not to exceed $40,000 direct costs each for one year. Consideration will be given to the justification of project expenses when reviewing proposed budgets.
Awarded projects involving human subjects and/or live vertebrate animals must receive approval from the NIH National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) prior to starting the project. This may impact the project start date.
Per NIH/NCATS guidelines, projects must be completed within the 12-month project period. No Cost Extensions will not be available.
Awards are for direct costs only (NIH allowable direct costs).

Award amounts are determined on a project-by-project basis depending on what is needed to advance the project. Awards will not exceed $40,000 total direct costs with a funding period of one year. Request only the amount that is needed. Project review will strongly consider if funds are being requested for only the work critical to advance the project, and projects selected for funding may be awarded a lower amount than the budget requested. No indirect costs are allowed.

Application Process

Proposals must be submitted online through the Turning Science into Health: Improving the Innovation Process proposal submission form in InfoReady.

The online proposal submission form will request information related to the translational roadblock being addressed, a description of the project, and details related to the work plan, project team, estimated budget, and timeline.

Specific proposal requirements include:

What is the specific translational challenge that you are trying to identify, understand or address? What is the current practice? Why is it a problem? If available, provide supporting evidence.
Briefly describe the project and how it will lead to a better understanding of the challenge and/or solutions to address it.
If successful, how will your project ultimately improve the process of translation and lead to real-world impact? Include details on what will be improved, how it will be improved, who will it benefit, etc. (e.g. will it make it better, cheaper, faster, enable healthcare innovations to reach more patients, improve patient outcomes, etc.)?
How will the insights or solutions generated through this project be broadly applied? (e.g. How can others use them in their own research and practices? How can they be applied outside the study-specific organization/department, or disease setting?).
What is your plan to disseminate or implement insights or solutions generated through this project?
What work has been done to support the project so far (if applicable)? No pilot data is necessary, however supporting data from the recent literature is appropriate if available.
Describe the work plan, including milestones to be achieved and final result of the project (within one year and up to $40,000 in direct costs). For each aim/milestone, outline:
1. Overall cost and time to complete.
2. The work (e.g. tasks, experiments, activities, etc.) that will be performed. Where appropriate, include details on methods, tests, approaches, variables to be measured.
3. Criteria for success and anticipated outcomes
4. Potential pitfalls and alternative approaches. Include a visual/figure to show the anticipated timing for aim/milestone completion over the duration of the project. Note that projects may be funded at a lower amount than the budget requested.
How will this pilot advance this project towards broader implementation and real-world use and/or impact? Describe any plans to pursue additional support (e.g. other funding sources, partnerships, commercialization, or other opportunities)?
If the project includes a new technology, has it been disclosed to Tech Comm and is there any intellectual property associated with it?
Complete the provided budget template with justification (direct expenses only; no indirect costs are allowed)
List any current or pending funding related to this project (both sponsored and unsponsored). Include the source, funding amount, award period, and whether there is any overlap in the work/aims to be completed in the proposed project.
Who are the team members and what are their qualifications, roles, and project-specific responsibilities?
What is the current stage of human subjects, IRB approval and/or live vertebrate animals, IACUC approval, including approval dates and numbers (if applicable)?
CV/Biosketches for Principal Investigator(s)
References/citations

Review Process & Considerations

Eligibility Review: Proposals will be assessed for completeness and whether the project meets eligibility requirements and the intent of the RFA. Proposals that do not meet eligibility requirements or align with the intent of the RFA will be removed from further review and funding consideration.

In-depth, Iterative Review: Proposals that meet eligibility requirements will undergo an in-depth review that may include review by experts operating under a confidentiality agreement. See Review Considerations below. Applicants may be asked to address issues raised in the proposal review prior to a funding decision being made. Applicants selected for funding may be asked to make revisions to their project (work plan, budget, and/or team) reflecting feedback from reviewers. Therefore, the final approved scope of work may differ from the originally submitted proposal.

Review Considerations: Projects will be evaluated primarily based on potential for impact, strength of the team, and whether the proposed scope of work is feasible. Review considerations include, but are not limited to, the following:

Is the intention of the proposal sufficiently clear?
Does the project address the identification and understanding of translational challenges or innovations to overcome translational challenges?
Will the project lead to key insights that can be applied to the process of translation broadly (beyond the specific indication, population, setting, etc.)?
What is the overall potential for impact on the process of translation?
Is there a clear and feasible plan for broader application that will lead to impact for intended real-world use?
Does the proposed scope of work optimize the potential for successful outcomes?
Does the team include essential collaborators with the necessary cross-disciplinary skills for successful execution of the project plan?
Is the project feasible? Can the proposed work plan be completed within the award timeframe and budget (12 months and <$40,000)?

Funding history and performance of applicants and projects previously supported through ODAT programs may be considered as a part of the review process and funding decisions. This may include, but is not limited to, compliance with the program requirements, achievement of specific milestones, and outcomes for a previous or related award involving the same applicants, project, or innovations.

Funding Decision: Proposals are reviewed competitively against others submitted within the funding cycle. All feedback obtained during the review process, RFA alignment, and available budget are considered. Proposals with the greatest strengths and fewest weaknesses based on comprehensive reviewer input, and that align most closely with the intent of the RFA, will be selected for funding within the cycle.

Award Issuance & Funding Source

The funding source for this award is the National Institutes of Health (NIH) National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS).

Award budgets are set up with a UMN chartstring that is shared with the PI for project-related expenses. ODAT Translational Science awards do not include any indirect (F&A) expenses. PIs are responsible for the management of the budget and compliance with UMN Finance policies during their award period.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Award funds are contingent upon the University of Minnesota receiving its annual NIH Clinical and Translational Science Award.

RFA Timeline

Event	Date
RFA issued	Thursday, March 12, 2026
Office Hours	Ongoing – see calendar and sign up
Application deadline	Thursday April 16, 2026 by 1:00 p.m. CT
Funding decision	July 2026
Project start date	August 2026

Note: late applications are not accepted for any reason. If the application is submitted after the deadline it will not be reviewed. We encourage applicants to prepare applications within the InfoReady portal well in advance of the deadline to ensure timely submission. ODAT staff may not be available to facilitate application submission on the day of the deadline. See the Submitting your application in InfoReady section in the FAQ for more guidance on using the InfoReady portal.

Program Contact Information

Brittni Peterson, PhD
Senior Program Manager
CTSI Office of Discovery and Translation
University of Minnesota
[email protected]
612-626-4293

ODAT is able to answer questions related to project, applicant, and expense eligibility that may not be answered in this document. ODAT is unable to provide individual project guidance to help make the project competitive.

Additional Information

Additional resources and FAQ

To request an accessibility accommodation, email our team at [email protected].

Funding Expectations, Terms, and Conditions for Awardees

ODAT carefully monitors projects to support our mission of improving human health through innovation, to maintain compliance with program and institutional requirements, and to act as good stewards of program resources. The Funding Expectations, Terms, and Conditions for Awardees is intended to clearly communicate requirements as a condition of receiving ODAT awards. This section is updated annually for clarity, and for alignment with program goals and institutional policies. By accepting award funding, awardees agree to abide by all terms and conditions described below. If you have questions about these terms and conditions, please contact ODAT at [email protected].

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Use of Funds

Awardees are expected to carry out the project activities as outlined in the approved Scope of Work, defined as the objectives, aims, milestones and/or activities that are reviewed and approved by ODAT. The approved Scope of Work is reflected in the Award Letter. Any project modifications submitted to and approved by ODAT per the Change Request process described below will replace or be incorporated into the approved Scope of Work
Funding may not be utilized for any activities outside of the approved Scope of Work without prior authorization from ODAT
Deviation from the approved Scope of Work without prior approval may result in a revocation of project funding, and may impact eligibility for future funding from ODAT programs
Awardees are responsible for compliance with all University processes and policies, including the University contracting and payment policies in utilization of awarded funds.
If the project is not progressing in accordance with the expectations based on the project aims/milestones/activities, timeline or budget, encounters an insurmountable technical or translational roadblock, or is not complying with the terms and conditions of the award, funding may be discontinued and any unspent funds returned to the program.

Changes to the Project

Any changes to the project including, to the team (PI, key personnel, vendors), approved Scope of Work (aims/milestones/activities, methods or study design), or budget, require prior approval from ODAT
If changes are anticipated, the project PI (no other study personnel) must contact ODAT to discuss potential changes. ODAT will determine if a Change Request Form is necessary based on the request.
Change Request Forms must be submitted prior to the award end date, preferably at least 90 days prior to the project end date. Changes submitted less than 90 days prior to the award end date may result in no longer having access to the funding after the award end date.
- The Change Request Form includes: a summary of progress, award balance, change(s) requested, a justification for the change(s) and how the change(s) advance the project towards its expected outcome.
- ODAT review of all Change Request Forms will consider if the change is appropriate, adequately justified and necessary to advance the project towards completion of the approved Scope of Work. Awardees should not assume ODAT approval of any Change Request.
No cost extensions are not allowed for this program. All work must be completed and fully invoiced within the award period.

Communications with ODAT and Reporting Requirements

Awardees are required to communicate regularly with the program and provide reports as requested.

ODAT monitors projects for progress against the approved Scope of Work, and adherence to the timeline and budget by way of periodic check-ins with awardees during the award period. Ongoing communication between ODAT and awardees is intended to foster project success.
Informal check-ins are done by email periodically throughout the duration of the project. Check-ins include, but are not limited to, a summary of progress, any challenges or delays encountered, award balance and whether a project change is anticipated. Please note the email may come from the InfoReady grant management platform used to submit your application.
Awardees may be required to attend meetings with ODAT during the funding period, you will be notified in advance of meeting requirements.
ODAT may encourage awardees to engage in or complete additional activities or solicit the expertise of additional UMN faculty or staff or external experts to facilitate success of the project. These will be communicated as part of the project initiation meeting.
Program leadership carefully reviews all progress reports. If the project is not progressing as expected, funding may be discontinued and any unspent funds returned.
A final report template will be provided 60 days prior to the project end date, due within 30 days following project completion. The final report includes:
- A summary of progress/completion of individual aims, impact on understanding or addressing translational roadblocks and next steps
- Outcomes achieved such as follow-on funding, commercialization (e.g. licensing, start-up formation), translation (e.g. clinical trials or research, patient or end user access), dissemination and implementation of the work beyond UMN or the academic setting (e.g. publications, intellectual property, public facing media)
- Financial reporting comparing budgeted vs. actual expenses and remaining balance

Following project completion, ODAT will complete an annual check-in for at least 5 years to track ongoing project outcomes. Awardees are expected to be responsive to these requests for updated outcomes on the project.

Awardees agree to allow the program to use general, non-confidential information about the project such as title, a broad description of the technology, technology stage of development, and achievement of translational milestones in reports and presentations to internal and external audiences.

Research Policies and Procedures

Awardees must follow all existing research policies and procedures in accordance with University Policy, and must assume responsibility for having all appropriate approvals for this project including, but not limited to, IRB, IACUC, and/or IBC, use of hazardous chemicals and infectious agents. Documentation of IRB and IACUC approval must be provided to ODAT for the project file.
Awardees are responsible for adhering to the Board of Regents and Administrative Conflict of Interest policies, etc.
In accordance with the NIH Grants Policy Statement, compliance with the NIH Public Access Policy is required as a term and condition of this award. Additional resources and assistance with navigating this policy are available for UMN investigators through the UMN Health Sciences Library.

NIH NCATS Prior Approval

Awarded projects involving human subjects and/or live vertebrate animals must receive approval from NCATS prior to starting the project. Regulatory documents for projects requiring regulatory approvals (e.g. IACUC, IRB, FDA) must be submitted to the appropriate regulatory authority within one month of award notification. ODAT will work with awardees to ensure regulatory and prior approval requirements are met and documentation is submitted. Failure to obtain NCATS Prior Approval and/or delays in regulatory approvals may result in revocation of award.

Intellectual Property (IP)

Awardees are responsible for ensuring that any and all intellectual property is properly disclosed to their institutional intellectual property office.
Awardees must notify ODAT if the technology supported by this award is licensed to a company (start-up or existing entity) during the funding period.
Awardees must work with the University’s Technology Commercialization Office to disclose any new IP conceived and/or developed solely by University employees or jointly with others who are not University employees as a result of this funding, including improvements to existing IP such as modifications to design.
UMN will have an ownership interest in new IP, and improvements to existing IP, conceived and/or developed by University employees alone or with others under this award. A license to commercialize and/or use University owned IP may be negotiated with Technology Commercialization. If a UMN technology is licensed during the funding period, the Awardee(s), the program, and Technology Commercialization will come to an agreement regarding any remaining unspent project funds. Continuation of funding may be allowed in whole or in part as deemed appropriate by the program.
Disclosures of new IP reported to Technology Commercialization as a result of this funding should list ‘ODAT’ as the funding source/sponsor.

Acknowledgements

We ask that PIs acknowledge support from the program in publications and/or media (e.g., news coverage, university features, social media, blog posts, community newsletters, or public talks/events) and inform the program via email of such acknowledgement.
Refer to your award letter for specific language for citing the funding source for your project.
We ask that PIs inform us of any publications, interviews or other communications that acknowledge our support.