Answers to the questions we hear most often about the Connecticut KUH Research Training program. Don’t see your question? Get in touch.
About the program
What is CKRT?
The Connecticut KUH Research Training (CKRT) program is a Yale–UConn Health collaborative that prepares predoctoral and postdoctoral trainees for research-focused careers in kidney, urologic, and hematologic (KUH) disease. Learn more on the About page.
Which institutions participate?
CKRT is a partnership between Yale and UConn Health, drawing on more than 45 expert preceptors across both institutions.
What research areas does the program cover?
Training spans the kidney, urologic, and hematologic disciplines — specifically benign (non-malignant) nephrology, urology, and hematology — with research strengths in genomics, epidemiology, bioengineering, computational science, and clinical trials. Cancer-focused research is not in scope for this program.
Who funds CKRT?
CKRT is supported by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) of the NIH as a U2C–TL1 award.
Eligibility & applying
Who is eligible to apply?
Predoctoral students, postdoctoral physician-scientists, and postdoctoral PhD scientists at Yale or UConn Health who are pursuing intensive, mentored research training in benign (non-malignant) nephrology, urology, or hematology.
Do I need to be a U.S. citizen?
TL1 appointment follows NIH NRSA policy, under which U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible. Confirm your individual eligibility with the program before applying.
How many trainees does the program support?
At current capacity, CKRT supports four postdoctoral and two predoctoral trainees.
When are applications due?
CKRT runs two application cycles each year, with deadlines of December 1 and May 1. Applications received after a deadline are considered in the following cycle.
How do I submit my application?
Everything is submitted through our online application form — you upload both your own materials (Part I) and your mentor’s materials (Part II) as PDFs. If the link doesn’t open, go to uchredcap.uchc.edu/redcap/surveys and enter access code HF4YETM3R. See How to Apply for the full list of materials.
How are applicants selected?
A request for applications goes out ahead of each cycle to relevant departments, national societies, and via social media. Applications are reviewed in a study-section format, with one slot reserved annually for each KUH discipline and additional at-large slots awarded on scientific merit. Postdoctoral appointments use a match system to balance home institution and subject area. See How to Apply for details.
Mentorship & training
How do I find a mentor?
Review the faculty & mentors roster and connect with a preceptor whose research aligns with your interests. Every trainee is paired with a primary research mentor (approved by the Administrative Committee) plus a secondary mentor at the partnering institution and a broader mentoring team.
What does the curriculum include?
The core curriculum combines didactics with hands-on training in grant writing, clinical trial design, statistics and computational science, scientific communication, team science, and wellness. It culminates in a competitive F- or K-series grant application. See Resources for the full curriculum.
How long is an appointment?
Appointments are made for one year, with the opportunity to renew for a second year.
Still have questions? Email info@ckrt.org or visit the contact page.