the meharry translational research center

In 2009, Meharry Medical College received $21 million, the largest single National Institutes of Health (NIH) research grant in Meharry's history, to establish the Meharry Clinical and Translational Research Center  (MeTRC).

The purpose of the grant is to cultivate minority researchers by funding their projects and building an infrastructure of laboratories, training, and support staff. Budding scientists compete for pilot projects, in hopes their research ideas will mature into collaborative projects with other investigators. In time, they become fully funded researchers who are able to attract external funding and operate independently.

A branch of scientific research that has developed in recent years is "translational research," that is, it translates lab discoveries into actual treatments patients can use. The scientists in the Meharry Translational Research Center look for treatments for diseases and health disorders that disproportionately impact minorities. Areas of emphasis include infectious diseases (especially HIV/AIDS) and women's health.

Funded for five years, the MeTRC program has made rapid progress in helping researchers turn their ideas into actual treatments. If you are a student or faculty member at Meharry ready to enter the exciting world of research, sign up at the ResearchPoint portal, where you will see announcements for the next round of funding opportunities.