About OCTRI

Translating innovative research ideas into impact

OCTRI is a catalyst for scientific collaboration, translation of biomedical advances into the community, innovation, and research growth in Oregon and beyond.

To fulfill the great potential of research to improve human health, the scientific discoveries happening all over the world must be translated into practical tools and knowledge. That’s the essence of what we do at OCTRI (“oak tree”). We help investigators, regional partners, and members of study teams to remove barriers, apply best practices, and translate biomedical advances into preventions and treatments using translational science.

What is translational science?

NCATS visualization of the translational science spectrum. All the components are overlapping and interwoven. They are not separate or linear.

Translational science is the field of investigation focused on understanding the scientific and operational principles underlying each step of the translational process.

The translational process turns observations in the laboratory, clinic, and community into interventions that improve the health of individuals and the public — from diagnostics and therapeutics to medical procedures and behavioral changes.

Learn more about translational science from the resources below.

NCATS translational science web page
NCATS translational science video
Dr. Cindy Morris' OHSU Research Town Hall presentation on translational science funding opportunities at OCTRI (slides, video recording)

Coming soon!

Support through every stage of research

Page 1 of the OCTRI brochure. Click here to view the full brochure. — Click image to view brochure

Since 2006, OCTRI has worked to accelerate discoveries toward better health by pursuing these strategic goals:

Catalyze translational research
Develop the translational workforce
Cultivate innovation in research
Foster and support scientific collaboration
Enhance partnerships with communities

Our mission is to enhance the efficiency and quality of rigorously translating research ideas into impact.

OCTRI structure, programs, and partners

OCTRI is comprised of more than 10 teams that provide a wide variety of programs and services designed to support and advance clinical and translational research. We also engage internal, external, and community advisory groups, in addition to local, regional, and national partnerships.

Map of Oregon with OCTRI locations and partners marked.

To foster and support regional scientific collaboration, OCTRI has established robust relationships with academic partners, research partners, and healthcare affiliates in Oregon and Washington State. Each brings unique assets, and each is mutually beneficial.

We have expanded our research and education missions, including our K and T career development programs, to our academic partners at Portland State University, Oregon State University, and University of Oregon.

We collaborate with our research partners, the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and OCHIN, to extend and complement our capacity for precision medicine and using technology to advance health for our communities.

We actively engage with regional healthcare affiliates to extend OHSU’s research capacity by providing expertise to build clinical and translational research at community hospital locations.

Funding and history

OCTRI is funded by the National Institutes of Health (UL1TR002369) through the Clinical and Translational Science Award Program, run by the National Center for Advancing Translational Science (NCATS). OCTRI also has a significant institutional commitment from OHSU. OCTRI uses our funding to provide as many no-cost services as possible to investigators at OHSU and our partner institutions. We supplement our no-cost services with some fee-for-service models.

OCTRI was among the first 12 academic health centers to be awarded with the Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) in 2006. Since then, the CTSA consortium has expanded to include 50+ hubs around the country, all motivated to energize and advance clinical and translational science.

Where are we located?

Location

Fourth floor of the School of Nursing on the OHSU Marquam Hill campus.

Driving Address

3455 SW US Veterans Hospital Rd

Portland, OR 97239

View on Google maps

Mailing address

3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road

Portland, OR 97239-3098

Mail Code: SN4N