The CTSC Voucher Program is designed to facilitate collaborative translational projects. Vouchers are evaluated based on how well they support the mission and aims of the CTSC of Northern Ohio and the goals of NCATS at NIH. All proposals should endeavor to demonstrate how their outcomes will improve translational science.
Vouchers Program FAQ
Collaboration is central to the CTSC’s mission of advancing translational science. The voucher program is specifically designed to foster partnerships—both within and across CTSC’s partner institutions—which include universities, healthcare systems, and research centers. By requiring collaboration, the program encourages expertise, resources, and perspectives to come together, ultimately enhancing research quality and impact. These collaborative efforts accelerate innovation and increase the likelihood that projects will benefit a broader community, aligning with the CTSC's and its partner organizations' goals.
Academic collaborators are required to hold a faculty position.
- If your voucher application includes an additional academic institution, that collaborator must also hold a faculty position.
- Voucher applicants must upload the bio sketch for the primary faculty member on the study, and if applicable, for the second faculty member.
- Vouchers that include community partners are exempt from the requirement that the collaborator hold a faculty position.
- A faculty investigator can apply for up to two vouchers totaling $15,000 per year
- Additional applications may be accepted once the current voucher project, progress reports, and invoices are complete.
- Because the voucher timeline is limited to three months, all existing projects that require regulatory oversight must upload active approval letters from the relevant reviewing body (such as the IRB or IACUC) to be considered.
- However, you can request funds for regulatory services for developing projects.
Allowable Costs and Restrictions
The vouchers provide latitude in allowable costs. However, specific restrictions and timeline requirements apply:
Timeline Requirements
• Voucher cost quotes will be reviewed for viability within the three-month time period.
• Any contracted services must be completed within the three-month time period.
• All personnel funded by the voucher must already be hired and available.
Financial and Payment Restrictions
• Salary support for investigators is not a permissible expense for voucher funds.
• If you are requesting payment for an entity outside the university system, that entity/person will have to be set up as a CWRU vendor in order to receive payment.
• The quote indicates who will be paid by voucher funds.
• Note that NIH funds cannot be used to pay entities outside the US.
Examples of Research Service Vouchers:
| Research Core | Example of Funded Service | Details/Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Biostatistics & Epidemiology Research Design | Sample size development for the proposed study design | |
| Biostatistics & Epidemiology Research Design | Advising on qualitative data collection and qualitative analysis for implementation outcomes | Duration is once every 2 weeks for 3 months |
| Research Support Core | Develop REDCap database and data collection instruments | Includes ongoing monitoring for data completion and quality |
| Research Support Core | FDA Regulatory Support | Includes initial consultation and regulatory strategy |
| Light Microscopy Imaging Core | Internal slide scanning service | Service includes the scanning of a total of 70 slides stained with DAPI, FITC, and Cy5 bands |
| Bioethics | Substantive consultative support for patient informed consent documents | Support also covers educational materials prior to participant recruitment |
If you would like assistance in submitting a voucher application or to discover how a voucher can help you achieve your research needs, submit a or contact the .