NCATS Translational Science Education and Training Challenge

The NCATS Translational Science Education and Training Challenge is a competitive prize initiative launched by the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The Challenge is rooted in the mission of NCATS to transform how biomedical discoveries become practical health solutions by fostering innovation that overcomes systemic obstacles in translational research. The field of translational science addresses bottlenecks in the research-to-practice pipeline through scientific and operational innovations applicable across diseases and conditions. In this context, NCATS is seeking to elevate models of education and training that effectively equip diverse contributors in the translational workforce with the tools, knowledge, and frameworks needed to accelerate scientific progress. NCATS has developed this challenge to identify and promote exemplary educational and training opportunities that reflect the principles of translational science. These opportunities must already be designed and implemented and may include a broad range of formats—such as workshops, courses, seminar series, coaching, advising, consulting, or credentialed programs. The competition seeks to recognize those initiatives that educate participants in identifying common translational challenges and developing cross-cutting solutions in their domains. These approaches may draw from NCATS Translational Science Principles or other models that promote broader translational impact. A fundamental objective is to surface high-quality, scalable models of training that can be broadly disseminated across the translational science ecosystem. Submissions are expected to address four core narrative elements: an overview of the program and its goals, content, and delivery methods; an explanation of how it aligns with translational science principles; a description of how it effectively serves key learner audiences, particularly those underrepresented in translational training efforts; and documentation of its implementation success and dissemination potential. Participants must provide a PDF narrative up to six pages long and complete a required registration form. Optional letters of support or interest can be submitted to bolster dissemination evidence. The competition offers five individual cash prizes of $10,000 each, with a total prize pool of $50,000. Prizes will be awarded on a rolling basis over the course of up to three years, with judging periods held annually each June. Submissions are accepted beginning September 30, 2024, and windows close each year on April 30. Judging occurs from June through July annually, and winners are announced by mid-September. NCATS reserves the right to close the challenge early if five high-quality submissions are selected before the end of the three-year period. This challenge is open to U.S.-based individuals, entities, and teams. Individuals must be at least 18 years old and either U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Organizations must be incorporated and operating in the United States. Non-U.S. citizens may participate as team members but are ineligible to receive prize funds. Federal employees may not participate in their official capacities, and participants may not use federal funds to develop their submissions. Additional rules govern intellectual property rights and require participants to grant the federal government nonexclusive rights to use and disseminate submissions. The evaluation of entries is based on five main criteria: completeness, translational science focus, audience engagement, potential for dissemination, and innovativeness. Each submission will be scored by federal subject-matter experts using a five-point scale for each criterion. Winners will be publicly announced and featured prominently on NCATS communications platforms. Prize funds may be used to support expansion or dissemination of the educational initiative. The challenge provides an opportunity for educators and innovators to gain national visibility for their contributions to building a diverse and effective translational science workforce.

Only complete submissions will be reviewed. External links will not be evaluated. Judges will score only internal package materials.