Institute for Clinical and Translational Research Awards Grants Totaling $1.1 Million

Madison, Wisconsin - The Institute for Clinical and Translational Research (ICTR) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison recently awarded 20 grants totaling $1.1 million for innovative research projects.

The pilot projects represent a range of topics, from addressing the information needs of Latino immigrant parents of children with autism to trying a novel approach for treating Alzheimer's disease to understanding attitudes about vaccines among health-care workers.

"Clinical and type 1 translational research involves both clinical trials and translational research that moves from basic laboratory science to clinical trials," says Dr. Marc K. Drezner, ICTR director and professor of medicine at the UW School of Medicine and Public Health.

"Type 2 involves studies out in the real world, often engaging community members, organizations and clinicians as partners in the research process."

The research will take place at several locations around the state, including Marshfield, Milwaukee and Madison. Some of the projects are co-funded by other organizations, such as:

• UW Carbone Cancer Center
• Marshfield Clinic Research Foundation
• Waisman Center
• Wisconsin National Primate Research Center
• UW Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Center

Established in 2007, ICTR enhances the movement of research from the university to doctors' offices, hospitals and clinics in communities across Wisconsin. Comprising four UW schools (Medicine and Public Health, Nursing, Pharmacy and Veterinary Medicine), the College of Engineering and Marshfield Clinic, the institute was awarded a $41 million grant in September 2007 from the National Institutes of Health.

"The fundamental goal of ICTR is to link the most basic research to practical improvements in human health," says Drezner.

In addition to financially supporting new clinical and translational research, ICTR provides infrastructure that encourages collaborations between investigators, trains them and provides them many tools and resources.