Below you’ll find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions by prospective applicants to ITMAT programs including master’s degrees, certificate programs, funding opportunities, and professional development programs. While we hope this information answers your questions, we also recommend prospective applicants to set a time to meet with a program representative prior to application.
General Questions (All Programs)
What is ITMAT? The Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics (ITMAT) supports research at the interface of basic and clinical research focusing on developing new and safer therapeutics. ITMAT offers research cores, research programs, research centers, and educational programs in clinical and translational science for researchers and research support staff. These are designed to facilitate training and research particularly from proof of concept in cellular and animal model systems across the translational divide to proof of concept and dose selection in humans. Become a member and utilize ITMAT resources and learn more about ITMAT.
What is ITMAT Education?
ITMAT Education is the portfolio of education programs offered by ITMAT. We are committed to ensuring the delivery of high-quality programs in clinical and translational science for researchers and research support staff, and building a rigorous and resilient CTS workforce. ITMAT Ed offers educational programs at the undergraduate, predoctoral, postdoctoral, and staff levels, and offers many symposia, seminars, and various workshops focusing on emerging topics in translational research.
The ITMAT Educational Programs are directed by Emma Meagher, MD. To view the list of ITMAT Ed Faculty and Administrative Leadership click here.
What is Translational Research? Translational research seeks to produce more meaningful, applicable results that directly benefit human health. The goal of translational research is to translate basic science discoveries more quickly and efficiently into clinical practice.
What is Regulatory Science?
There is increasing global demand for trained scientists who work in Academia, Biotech, Pharma, the FDA, and similar global regulatory agencies who are adept at applying knowledge of scientific and regulatory strategy to the design and execution of research portfolios focused on all stages of product (drug, biologic, and device) development.
The Master of Science in Regulatory Science is designed to provide training in scientific and regulatory strategy to those who aim to pursue careers working on product development in Academia, Biotech, Pharma, the FDA and equivalent global regulatory agencies.
What is Regulatory Affairs?
Regulatory affairs professionals play key roles in bringing innovative products to market while also ensuring that products are safe and effective. Regulatory professionals work to maximize compliance, assure quality, and minimize risk in the development of FDA-regulated products (drugs, devices, and biologics) apply science-based clinical investigation and corresponding regulations.
What’s required in the application and how do I apply?
Applications are submitted online via CollegeNet. Each program has an application page with instructions for how to create a CollegeNet Account and select your program, as well as the required documentation and instructions for personal statements and guidelines for letters of recommendation.
If you are also applying for ITMAT funding to complete an education program, reference the funding eligibility overview. Only one application is required to be considered for the education programs and funding awards.
I’m external to Penn/CHOP, am I eligible to apply?
If you are external to the institution, you will need to identify a Penn or CHOP mentor in order to be eligible for the program. In addition, you must also meet the other eligibility criteria for the program.
Do I need to have research experience to apply to the program?
We expect applicants to have a deep understanding of their research topic, but the program is designed to provide you with research knowledge, skills, methods, and tools needed to carry out your project. You need to be committed to your proposed project and identify a primary mentor with the interest and ability to guide you and your project.
What does 80% protected time mean?
For postdoctoral and faculty scholars, you must have 80% of your effort dedicated and funded for research. You may utilize the remaining 20% for clinical time, teaching, or other efforts.
How do I know which program and/or funding mechanism is right for me?
The MSTR and MSRS programs are primarily attractive to individuals seeking training in T1 translational research such as testing basic research findings for clinical effect (i.e. preclinical, first in human, proof of concept, phase 0/1 clinical trials) and research focused on the elucidation of mechanistic and therapeutic aspects of disease processes. The degree attracts students from all basic science and clinical disciplines.
Students can choose to concentrate in a specific area of translational science. Concentrations include Discovery Science, which is intended for students interested in pathophysiological disease processes. Projects may be proof of concept in cell or animal models or using human samples; Translational Therapeutics and Regulatory Science, for students focusing on testing therapeutic discoveries for efficacy and safety; Entrepreneurial Science, offers students the opportunity to translate their research into innovative solutions and develop approaches to commercialization; and Bioinformatics/Biomedical Informatics, for students who wish to become translational scientists who can leverage informatics approaches to develop and test their own hypotheses as collaborators with informaticians.
When should I apply?
Predocs
MD-MSTR: Applications are due in the fall of year 3 of the MD program.
DMD-MSTR: Applications are due in the fall of year 2 of the DMD program and follow the dental dual-degree application process.
PhD Certificate Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Predocs are not eligible for the MSRS program.
Postdocs
The timing of when you should enroll in the program is based on your career trajectory. Our learning community includes students who are junior faculty members, clinical fellows, postdoctoral fellows, residents, and predoctoral combined degree students. Notably, the students have reported benefiting from the intermingling of predocs, postdocs, and faculty in the same learning environment.
Contact us to talk about your career and how our educational programs would benefit you.
Do I need to submit a separate application to be considered for ITMAT funding?
No. If you submit your application during the annual request for applications, you will be automatically considered for both the education program and ITMAT funding opportunities.
Which concentration do I select in the application?
Select a concentration based on your career trajectory and research project area. This decision informs your plan of study and mentorship structure. You may change your concentration during the program.
Is your project a good fit for the program? Or do you have a few different projects and/or mentors in mind? We encourage you to reach out to get feedback on your project and mentorship team.
For the MSTR, review the concentrations to determine if your project would be best served by the MSTR curriculum and program. For the MSRS, review the program information and thesis project examples to determine if your project would be best served by the MSRS curriculum and program.
Reach out to Megan Maxwell to discuss your project, mentor, or any other aspect of the program.
What if my project changes?
The program anticipates that your project may change. The first course, Proposal Development, guides you through refining your project. An important part of translational research is to maintain focus, but it is rarely a straight line. When developing your project proposal for application, it is important to acknowledge the hurdles you may face and potential solutions.
How do students pay for the program?
ITMAT provides funding opportunities through the CTSA KL2 Career Development Award, the CTSA TL1 Training Grant, and ITMAT Scholarships. Students are also funded by T32 training grants, departmental funds, or faculty tuition benefits. To learn more about funding opportunities for the program, contact Megan Maxwell.
How are research supplies paid for?
Costs associated with your research project may be paid for by your mentor’s lab or a research grant.
Certificate Programs
How do the certificate programs differ from the master's degrees?
The certificate programs require a smaller commitment than master's degrees.
How do I apply to the certificate in TR, RS, or ES? And am I eligible?
Yes, all courses listed on the ITMAT Education Courses are for credit.
Disclaimer
Please note that policies concerning admissions, curriculum, funding and financial aid are subject to change. Additionally, though variations in the curriculum may be possible, any changes will need prior approval and may have financial implications. This website is meant to provide preliminary general overview information only. Students interested in or enrolled in the program should seek personal advising from relevant faculty and staff.
