Irving Institute Investigates Ways to Simplify Research Navigation
Study of CTSA hubs identifies effective models to streamline research support, and informs the piloted “Plan Your Research” tool.
Moving a research idea from early discovery to real-world patient care is often complex - requiring investigators to navigate regulatory processes, identify collaborators, access data and core services, and secure funding. For many, this process can feel fragmented and difficult to navigate, particularly within large academic medical centers.
A new publication in the Journal of Clinical and Translational Science, titled “Navigating the Bench to Bedside Maze: Lessons from CTSA Hubs on Streamlining Research Support in Academic Medical Centers,” brings together insights from Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) hubs across the United States - led by the Irving Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, the CTSA hub at Columbia University.
CTSA hubs are established to help accelerate the translation of scientific discoveries into improved health outcomes. One of their central goals is to make it easier for investigators to access the support, expertise, and infrastructure needed to conduct high-quality clinical and translational research.
The Irving Institute did extensive analysis across the Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA) Program network - a national consortium of academic medical centers advancing translational research - drawing on literature reviews, national landscape analysis and interviews with hub representatives, identifying three primary approaches institutions use to support investigators:
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Online resource libraries and investigator roadmaps that centralize information on available services, processes, and requirements within an online portal.
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Personalized navigation systems, where dedicated staff guide investigators through one-on-one consultations.
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Multidisciplinary “studio” sessions, which bring together experts across domains (e.g., biostatistics, regulatory, clinical operations) early in the research process; to discuss multiple elements with the investigator, in a group setting.
These models aim to reduce barriers, improve coordination, and shorten the time it takes to move research into practice. The study does highlight persistent challenges - particularly siloed systems, limited awareness of available resources, and ongoing difficulty in measuring the success of these research support services. Institutional commitment and continuous evaluation are also critical to ensuring these systems remain effective and responsive to investigator needs.
Ultimately, the analysis revealed that an integrated, hybrid approach was best, combining accessible digital tools with expert, human-centered guidance. As phase one, the Irving Institute developed a pilot online tool to help investigators more easily identify relevant resources, services, and training: “Plan Your Research”
Feedback from investigators is essential to refine its usability, relevance, and overall impact. Investigators are encouraged to explore the tool and share feedback to help shape future development.