Partners // CTSI

Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI)

The Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) at the University of Pittsburgh is your expert partner in navigating the complexities of health research. Whether you’re launching a new clinical trial, recruiting participants, or preparing regulatory submissions, CTSI provides hands-on support and essential infrastructure to help you move your research forward—efficiently and compliantly.

We work side by side with investigators, study teams, and departments across the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC to reduce administrative burdens and ensure research excellence.

Explore the services CTSI offers to help bring your study from concept to completion:

Clinical Trial Accelerator Services

Guiding your research from idea to implementation

The CTSI Clinical Trial Accelerator team offers strategic guidance and operational support to help investigators launch high-quality, compliant, and successful clinical trials. Whether you’re a first-time investigator or an experienced researcher facing a complex protocol, our team helps you:

  • Define study feasibility and develop a roadmap for success
  • Navigate institutional processes and connect with expert collaborators
  • Create customized study startup timelines and milestone planning
  • Identify common roadblocks early—and avoid them altogether

Let us help you clear the path from protocol to participants.

Learn more about the Clinical Trial Accelerator

Recruitment Services

Finding the right participants for your study

Participant recruitment is one of the biggest challenges in clinical research. CTSI’s Recruitment Innovation Unit (RIU) provides proven tools and expert consultation to help you reach the right populations faster. Services include:

  • Customized recruitment strategy development
  • Use of Pitt+Me®, CTSI’s award-winning research registry with over 250,000 volunteers
  • Development of IRB-approved advertisements and outreach materials
  • Recruitment progress tracking and data analytics

Our team understands what works—and we’re here to help you fill your study with qualified, engaged participants.

Explore recruitment services

Regulatory Services

Simplifying compliance so you can focus on research

The CTSI Regulatory Knowledge and Support Core is your go-to resource for navigating the regulatory landscape of clinical research. Our team provides personalized assistance to ensure your study is compliant with federal, state, and institutional requirements. Services include:

  • Protocol and informed consent development
  • IRB and IND/IDE submission support
  • gov registration and reporting guidance
  • Ongoing regulatory document management

Whether you need a quick consult or full-service support, we’re here to help make the regulatory process seamless and stress-free.

Get help with regulatory support

Clinical Research Facilities (CTRC)

State-of-the-art resources to support your study

The Clinical and Translational Research Center (CTRC) offers dedicated clinical space and professional staff to support inpatient and outpatient studies at UPMC Montefiore and UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. Available services include:

  • Research-trained nursing and technical staff
  • Access to specialized equipment and sample processing
  • Support for pediatric and adult studies
  • Flexible scheduling and logistical coordination

The CTRC ensures your clinical research is conducted safely, efficiently, and with the highest standard of care.

Discover CTRC services

Additional Services from CTSI

In addition to the core services above, CTSI offers a wide range of resources to strengthen and streamline every phase of your research. All of our services can be used together and our facilitators will guide your way:

  • Implementation Lab
    Works with health operations partners to achieve their goals using cutting-edge Dissemination and Implementation Science.
  • Biostatistics, Epidemiology, & Research Design (BERD)
    Offers statistical and study design consultations, data analysis, and investigator-focused mentoring and training.
  • Community PARTners
    Connects investigators with community members and organizations to encourage participation in research studies.
  • Biomedical Informatics
    Provides assistance and training in cohort discovery, data management, software solutions, and informatics tools throughout the research lifecycle.
  • Innovation
    Offers advanced training, seminars, and workshops to help translate scientific discoveries into real-world applications.
  • Pilot Funding
    Provides funding and resources for novel translational research pilot projects.
  • Team Science & Workforce Development
    Provides educational opportunities focused on team science, leadership, and entrepreneurship to strengthen the translational workforce.
  • IMPaCT Core
    Offers facilitation, education, and resources in Dissemination and Implementation Science to enhance real-world impact of research.
  • Human-Centered Design (HCD)
    Applies a structured but flexible approach to problem solving that keeps end-users at the center of the design process.

View all CTSI services

Start With CTSI

Wherever you are in the research process, CTSI is here to support you. Our integrated services are designed to save you time, minimize hassle, and help you deliver high-impact, patient-centered research.

Ready to get started or have questions?

Visit ctsi.pitt.edu or contact us directly to connect with our team.