515 Implementation of a Translational Science Research Center in a high education level institution in Colombia - Latin America: Unisabana Center for Translational Science (UCTS)

Abstract

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: To establish and develop a high-level, dynamic, and self-sustainable Translational Science – research center in Colombia that promotes and articulates collaborative participation among different disciplines at Universidad de La Sabana to generate impactful solutions in health to transfer the knowledge to the local community. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: With the support of core units of the University, internal funding was given for the establishment of the Research Center. An internal call was performed for recruiting researchers for multiple disciplines interested in joining the UCTS. After the researchers were selected, training of the research community in translational science and funding acquisition was performed towards the objective of interdisciplinary projects with impact in the local community. Project management strategies have been used for the follow-up of the advancements of the implementation of the UCTS. Operational structure and business plan for future self-sustainability are being designed. UCTS is proposed as an articulating party among different actors in clinics, research, and industry, for science and funding management. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: As an starting point, 8 research groups of different disciplines of the University have been integrated with the UCTS, increasing the research capacity in translational science. Internal administrative processes have been articulated within the institution and unified processes for international grants applications have been established in order to optimize the funding acquisition and management. Training programs for the research community, and community engagement activities have been offered as well. Networking relationships have been strengthened among the researchers enhancing international collaborations. Novel research projects are being designed towards real solutions in health for the local community, promoting the transference of knowledge from the benchside to the community. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: The implementation of the UCTS led to the integration of disciplines within the University, towards new research projects with common interests for the local community. It has been an enriched experience using the project management approach, fulfilling a huge milestone for the University, aligned with the internal strategic priorities