Basic & Translational Science

Two people in white lab coats pointing at a screen with a cross section of cells.

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 goal is to bring together basic science investigators, regardless of specialty, to share resources and expertise, further driving research at Michigan Medicine.

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

All members of the U-M Medical School are welcome to join our research community. Please email CBATS Director Dr. Timothy Frankel with questions about becoming a member. We can also connect you with staff and resources if you have questions about animal inspections, safety compliance, or sourcing materials and equipment.

Leadership

Timothy Frankel

Timothy L Frankel, MD

Maud T Lane Professor of Surgical Oncology
Professor of Surgery
Co-Director of the Rogel and Blondy Center for Pancreatic Cancer
Rogel Cancer Center
Medical School
Stefanie Galban, PhD

Stefanie Galban, PhD

Research Associate Professor, Radiology
Research Associate Professor, Surgery
Medical School
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Becky Cholak

Administrative Specialist, Center for Basic & Translational Science
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Lee Olsen, PhD

Editor, Center for Basic & Translational Science