Office of Discovery and Translation (ODAT)

We develop and implement funding programs that turn innovations into products, services, and approaches for improving human health.

CTSI established the Office of Discovery and Translation (ODAT) in 2011 to accelerate the translation and implementation of health-related innovations.

ODAT Funding

Translational research funding

Provides University of Minnesota faculty with funding and expert guidance to develop solutions such as:

Devices
Diagnostics
Therapeutics
Software
Service models

Supported innovations have the potential to translate beyond the University to impact the intended population(s) in a real-world setting.

Status: Applications are accepted throughout the year, following a structured review and decision-making process. Refer to the table below for the specific review schedule. ODAT will initiate the review process for applications on a quarterly basis and aim to complete the process in 8 weeks. However, for some applications, the review process may extend beyond 8 weeks.

Apply now

2024 Application Review Schedule
Applications submitted by	Review period	Decision
January 31	February - March	April
April 30	May - June	July
July 31	August - September	October
October 31	November - December	January

Translational science funding

Turning Science into Health: Overcoming Barriers in Translation

The goal of this funding program is to streamline the process of translating scientific discoveries from ideas to real-world impact for improved human health. This funding program aims to support projects that seek to:

Understand scientific or operational barriers that researchers encounter during the process of translating discoveries.
Find innovation solutions that reduce, avoid, or mitigate barriers in the process of translation.

Status: This funding opportunity is now open. The application deadline is April 24, 2024.

Apply now

Community engagement: Advancing children’s unmet medical needs

To better understand unmet needs in pediatric health, we engage directly with our community.

The Community Discovery Program encourages members of the public to describe challenges and experiences related to caring for children’s medical needs that could be improved with new technology. We evaluate opportunities for innovation and advance feasible, high-impact solutions within the University.

Contact

Sandra Wells, PhD
Director
[email protected]
612-625-3073

Brittni Peterson, PhD
Senior Program Manager
[email protected]
612-626-4293

ODAT Office
[email protected]

Jodi Fenlon Rebuffoni
Assistant Director
[email protected]
612-626-6945

Tonya Wilson
Program Coordinator
[email protected]
612-301-1422