Spark Awards RFA

About this program

The Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) at The Ohio State University is offering Spark Awards of $3,000–$5,000 to support translational research projects that prepare for future grant applications/major initiatives or provide critical support to ongoing studies, with up to $5,000 available for multi-college or institutional collaborations (including Nationwide Children’s Hospital or OPCIN/OHCHC). Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through March 15, 2027 (or until funds are exhausted) with funding decisions typically within four weeks; all awarded services must be completed by July 31, 2027 and final invoices received by August 31, 2027. Eligible applicants are investigators at Ohio State or Nationwide Children’s Hospital (preferred: early-career investigators) — including postdoctoral fellows on the academic track, fellow physicians, research scientists, assistant/associate professors, and faculty new to or shifting into research — who are IRB‑approved as key personnel/PI/Co‑I and who complete a MyCTSI profile. Applicants must obtain and upload a PDF cost quote from an eligible CTSI core, ensure projects fall within the NCATS Translational Science Spectrum, and comply with exclusions and additional requirements (e.g., students, residents, certain previously CTSI‑funded individuals, and unsupported core services are ineligible; IRB approval or non‑human subjects determination required prior to disbursement).