University of Louisville Clinical and Translational Research Center Awarded Third Year of Funding from NIGMS

The University of Louisville (UofL) Clinical and Translational Research Center (LCTRC) has been awarded continued funding from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) for its third year, marking a significant milestone for the center. Supported by the largest investment in clinical research in UofL’s history—a $24 million initiative, including $11.7 million from the NIH—the LCTRC continues to advance clinical research and develop the next generation of clinician scientists.

Since its launch, the LCTRC has served as a central hub for strengthening the university’s research ecosystem. The impact of this institutional support has been substantial, facilitating numerous successful NIH grant applications and providing the critical mentorship and pilot funding necessary to launch independent research careers.

“This third year of funding is a testament to the dedication of the research community and the strength of the pipeline built,” said Jon Klein, MD, PhD, director of the LCTRC. “By fostering collaboration and providing the necessary support structure, the center is ensuring that the future of clinical and translational research at the University of Louisville remains sustainable and impactful.”

The recent success of University of Louisville Presidential Scholars reflects the impact of the LCTRC’s developmental support structure. Dr. Akshitkumar Mistry, MD, a neurosurgeon specializing in surgical neuro-oncology and brain tumor research, was recently awarded an NCI K08 grant. Similarly, Dr. Christie Buonpane, MD, an Assistant Professor of Pediatric Surgery whose research focuses on necrotizing enterocolitis and neonatal intestinal health, secured a K08 award.

Reflecting on the institutional resources provided, Dr. Buonpane stated, “From the very beginning of my faculty appointment, the University of Louisville and LCTRC invested in my success through the K Pathway Program, the Presidential Scholar Award, the Dean’s Scholar Program, the Developmental Grant, and assistance from the grant office in the School of Medicine. Collectively, these programs provided not only critical financial support and protected research time, but also exceptional mentorship, grant development resources, and guidance throughout the K08 application process.”

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Dr. Buonpane continued, “These investments allowed me to negotiate and maintain 50% protected research time while building my laboratory and generating the preliminary data that ultimately led to this award. I truly could not have accomplished this without the support, encouragement, and advocacy of so many people across our institution.”

By providing multi-level support programs, the LCTRC is developing a new generation of investigators equipped to secure funding and translate research findings into innovative therapies and technologies.

For more information on the center’s programs and current initiatives, visit: https://centers.louisville.edu/clinical-translational-researchhttps://centers.louisville.edu/clinical-translational-research.