The Translating Practice into Research (TPIR) Program is now accepting applications through September 14, 2026. Applicants will be selected and notified of acceptance by October 2, 2026.

Apply Now!

See below for more information about the TPIR Program.

Overview

Funded by: The National Institutes of Health

Program Co-Directors: Sara K. Vesely, PhD, and Sydney A. Martinez, PhD

Contact Information: Sara-Vesely@ou.edu and Sydney-martinez@ou.edu

Website: https://osctr.ouhsc.edu/researchers/training/tpir

What is the Goal of the TPIR Trainee Program?

The OSCTR TPIR trainee program is a unique one year (October 2026-August 2027) education and mentoring program for practicing healthcare professionals, clinical investigators, and basic scientists. It offers a broad and practical curriculum for understanding clinical research methods, research collaborations, and statistical analysis. Under the guidance of a methodologic mentor, TPIR trainees will develop a research protocol using the framework required by the Institutional Review Board. The goal of the TPIR trainee program is to produce a group of clinicians and scientists who have the ability to translate their clinical observations and ideas for improving practice into practical and feasible research projects.

What is Included in the TPIR Trainee Program?

The TPIR program consists of five components:

1. 1 day in-person workshop Wednesday November 11, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
2. 10 online education modules
3. 8 scheduled Zoom meetings with TPIR faculty
4. 1 day in-person workshop Thursday May 6, 2027 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and,
5. mentored development of a research protocol. By applying for the TPIR program, you agree to participate in all five components of the program, if accepted.

Who Should Apply?

The following people are encouraged to apply: 

1. Healthcare professionals who are interested in conducting clinical research and learning research methods,
2. Clinical investigators who are interested in studying practical clinical issues,
3. Basic scientists who are interested in learning the fundamental basis for clinical translational research, and;
4. Community health professionals who are working in a research environment and seeking training in clinical research methods and study design.

Applicants must be US Residents who work in NIH IDeA states. Priority will be given to applicants in the OSCTR regions and Tribal employees and Tribal serving organization employees.

How Many Trainees Will be Selected?

Up to 10 trainees will be accepted in 2026-2027 with representation across various colleges and institutions. There is no fee for the TPIR program.

How Do You Apply?

The online application is located at: OSCTR TPIR Application Link. This link is also available on the TPIR Trainee Program website at https://osctr.ouhsc.edu/researchers/training/tpir.

Applicants should submit the following: 

1. Online application form, 
2. CV or biosketch, 
3. Statement describing interest in the program and how the program will benefit your career, 
4. Abstract (350 words or less) describing clinical question of interest and how you think it could be developed into a research project, and 
5. Statement from applicant’s supervisor addressing why they are a good candidate for the TPIR trainee program and verifying the candidate has time to complete the training modules and attend the in-person workshops on Wednesday, November 11, 2026 and Thursday, May 6, 2027.

Timeline

The application deadline is September 14, 2026.

Trainees will be notified by October 2, 2026.

Online modules/conference calls and a mentored research project from October 2026-August 2027. 

There will be 10 online video stream lectures available between October 2026 and August 2027. We will have 8 Zoom meetings to discuss the modules and progress on your mentored research project with one of the TPIR Co-Directors. The online module topics will focus on analysis of medical literature, creating a good research question, epidemiological study designs, the vocabulary of biostatistics, data collection and database development, quantitative methods, and ethical issues and human subject protection.

Participants will be matched with a methodological mentor who will provide guidance as the TPIR trainee develops their research protocol. Mentoring with a TPIR faculty mentor will include at least 5 meetings/phone calls and continue through August 2027, with the goal of translating the trainee’s research idea into a feasible research protocol that prepares the trainee to initiate the research project following completion of the TPIR program.

One-day in-person/virtual workshop: November 11, 2026

The workshop will be an introduction to the TPIR program, the participants, and the faculty. The workshop will include didactic sessions on mentorship and collaborating with a biostatistician. Each participant will present a 7-10-minute PowerPoint presentation on their research idea. You will also have an opportunity to meet with your methodological mentor.

One-day in-person workshop: May 6, 2027

The workshop will focus on the foundation, methodologies, and application of patient-oriented clinical research. The workshop will include didactic sessions on grant development and writing, funding opportunities, and campus resources. Participants will further develop their own proposed patient-oriented clinical research projects, refining and revising their plans through interaction with faculty and their peers. Each participant will present a 10-minute PowerPoint presentation on their research question and proposal. Participants will participate in a focus group to explore the strengths and weaknesses of the TPIR program. This focus group will serve as both an evaluation of the program and a demonstration of qualitative research for the participants.