We have established cross cutting research partnerships among the WVCTSI partnered institutions and collaborating CTSAs at University of Kentucky, Ohio State University, and Indiana University to increase our research capacity. The WVCTSI utilizes innovative recruitment, training, and mentoring strategies to develop clinical and translational scientists at each of the WVCTSI institutions. Participating faculty are provided with research resources that include biostatistics, clinical informatics, and access to a range of pilot funding mechanisms. Furthermore, mechanisms to streamline regulatory processes without compromising human subject protections and to engage communities fully in the research agenda are being developed. Overall, the WVCTSI has developed a strong infrastructure to increase the number of extramural funded clinical and translational researchers and has a well-considered plan for enhancing capacity and productivity over the next five years, positioning us for competitiveness for a CTSA.
