Basic & Translational Science
Scientific Collaboration
The Center for Basic and Translational Science (CBATS) is a community that inspires collaboration among researchers.
About CBATS
The Center for Basic and Translational Science, part of the Department of Surgery at Michigan Medicine, provides a platform for basic and translational scientists to share resources and expertise that drive research advances. Interactive talks and career development experiences are the cornerstone of CBATS programming, offering our interdisciplinary group of scientists opportunities to refine studies, discover collaborations, and build their reputations as experts in their fields.
Our Mission
Our Work
The investigators involved in CBATS are basic and translational scientists, broadly within the Department of Surgery, but our group is open to all departments and specialties.
The group’s research is focused on all aspects of human disease and how to apply discoveries to those diseases. Though the work being conducted varies widely, investigators often encounter similar challenges: running a lab efficiently, deciding which grant to pursue, when to publish. Our support structure can help investigators navigate these processes and decisions through:
- A thriving grants program featuring a pilot grant award for faculty and conference travel awards for trainees
- Professional development experiences like mock NIH study sections and ASC practice talks to support grantsmanship, collaboration, and scientific discourse.
- Talks by experts at the top of their fields from across the US, including an annual Department of Surgery Grand Rounds speaker.
- Chalk Talks, where grant applicants sharpen their aims and refine their science.
- Targeted programming and mentorship for a diverse membership of faculty, residents, fellows, and students.
- Editing support for grant and manuscript submissions.
Get Involved
Biweekly Meetings
Join the group every other Thursday at 4 p.m. for scientific, methodology, and chalk talks, along with special guest speaker events and career development presentations on funding, mentoring and career advancement. Meetings are a chance to get to know one another, learn about ongoing research in other labs and exchange ideas.
Social Events
CBATS takes collaboration beyond meetings to build community among the group. We hold events for both the entire CBATS community and for focused groups, where members approaching similar career milestones can develop support networks.
Surgeon Scientist Accelerator Track
The Surgeon Scientist Accelerator Track is a program offered through CBATS for surgical residents completing the Academic Development Time (ADT) period of their training program. Residents can apply to the track for the support of a lab technician for one year who will assist them in completing their research when they return to clinical work.
Contact Us
At CBATS, we focus on sharing talent and resources to encourage clarity and openness in our community with the ultimate aim of flattening leadership hierarchy. We encourage free-spirited thinking and opportunities for trainees and early investigators. While CBATS is primarily based in the Department of Surgery, anyone at U-M Medical School is welcome to get involved and join our research community.
Please reach out to CBATS Director Dr. Timothy Frankel with any questions about becoming a member. We can also assist in connecting you with the right resources if you have questions about animal inspections, safety compliance, sourcing materials and equipment.
Leadership
Timothy L Frankel, MD
Professor of Surgery and Co-Director of the Rogel and Blondy Center for Pancreatic Cancer
Rogel Cancer Center
Medical School
Stefanie Galban, PhD
Research Associate Professor, Surgery, Medical School
Becky Cholak
