Kentucky
UK Center for Clinical and Translational Science
Lexington, Kentucky
Principal Investigator
Philip A. Kern, M.D., University of Kentucky
Dr. Philip Kern (center), director of the Center for Clinical and Translational Science, works with College of Health Sciences postdoctoral graduate Jonah Lee (left) and physician assistant Jessica Brown (right) at the University of Kentucky. A muscle biopsy has just been obtained from a volunteer, and the sample is being processed and frozen for subsequent histochemistry and measurement of gene expression. Muscle biopsies are routinely performed as part of studies related to obesity, diabetes and fibromyalgia. (Kristi Lopez Photo)
The goal of the University of Kentucky (UK) Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS) is to transform the pace, effectiveness and quality of translational research leading to novel discoveries that impact health care. CCTS seeks to integrate research strengths of UK's scientists from disciplines focused on common diseases, such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes, and from such disciplines as pharmaceutical sciences and biomedical engineering, which are essential to development of novel drugs and medical devices. UK also has significant scientific strength in the study of risk-related behaviors, such as smoking, alcohol, drug abuse and obesity — all of which are major factors in the high rates of cancer, heart disease and diabetes in Kentucky and across Appalachia.
UK is a land grant university with 16 colleges, including engineering, agriculture and six health science colleges, located all on the Lexington campus. In addition to integrating this UK expertise, CCTS is collaborating with Marshall University, CTSAs at the Ohio State University and the University of Cincinnati, and regional academic institutions to form the Appalachian Translational Research Network. This network will engage investigators in clinical and translational science; foster collaborations, joint pilot studies and mentoring; and develop strong programs in community-based participatory research.
CCTS and its partners will prepare the next generation of scientists; break down barriers to translational research; accelerate the pace of scientific discoveries; and improve the health of citizens in Kentucky, the Appalachian region and the nation.
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