Life Course Translational Research Network (LCT-RN)

This notice announces the opportunity to apply for funding under the FY 2023 Life Course Translational Research Network (LCT-RN) Program. The purpose of this program is to establish and maintain an interdisciplinary, national, multi-site research platform for scientific collaboration and infrastructure building to conduct timely, innovative, high-quality, applied life course intervention1 research studies that have the potential to be translated3 into practice. The LCT-RN will promote child health and health equity2 across the lifespan. The findings from these studies are expected to inform MCHB program planning, policymaking, and evidence-based practice from a life course perspective. Life course translational research considers the health and well-being of the whole child in the context of the family and broader ecological levels,4 identifies strategic opportunities to intervene, and translates findings into practice to improve population health. In this funding cycle, LCT-RN will place a high priority on studies that focus on health equity and how maternal, paternal, and family physical and mental health affects child health, recognizing the importance of two-generation models5 for influencing intergenerational health. The LCT-RN will collaborate with HRSA MCHB-funded programs to identify priority topics, implement multi-site intervention studies, and translate findings into practice. The objectives of the LCT-RN to be completed during the 5-year period of performance are to: • Grow and expand an interdisciplinary, national, multi-site, collaborative translational research network that will accelerate the translation of life course research into practice and reduce health disparities in MCH populations; • Conduct at least five intervention research studies that apply life course theory, have the potential to modify health development at critical life stages, and can be translated into public health practice; • Develop strategic collaborations to inform research priorities and ensure activities are responsive to the needs of underserved communities; • Train and mentor at least 10 junior/new investigators annually including those from underserved communities and/or those from minority-serving institutions; and • Disseminate research findings including at least five peer-reviewed publications per year; and evaluate the impact of research activities on programs, practices, and policy. For more details, see Program Requirements and Expectations.