School of Medicine

Research Enterprise FAQs

About the TU–TM Research Enterprise Strategy

The Tufts University–Tufts Medicine (TU-TM) Research Enterprise Strategy is a bold initiative to strengthen collaboration between Tufts University and Tufts Medicine. By aligning our academic, research, and clinical expertise, we aim to accelerate translational research that improves health outcomes locally and globally. This strategy focuses on five strategic pillars—Brain and Behavior; Cancer Biology, Care, and Survivorship; Cardiovascular Disease and Critical Care; Transplant Immunity and Infection; and Women’s Health, Nutrition, and Sex Differences. Below are answers to common questions about how the strategy works, what it means for investigators, and how you can get involved.

  • The goal of the strategy is to deepen collaboration between Tufts University (TU) and Tufts Medicine (TM) by bringing together complementary expertise to build a research enterprise globally recognized as best in class in strategic areas of translational research. This will require transformative growth and targeted investment in areas where TU–TM is Best/First/Unique.

    The five strategic Pillars/Themes of the research enterprise are:

    • Brain and Behavior
    • Cancer Biology, Care, and Survivorship
    • Cardiovascular Disease and Critical Care
    • Transplant Immunity and Infection
    • Women’s Health, Nutrition, and Sex Differences

  • Visit the TU–TM Research Enterprise webpages for regularly updated information about next steps. Each Pillar has two co-leaders who will convene multidisciplinary translational research groups (MTRGs) around investigator-initiated topics within each theme. Investigators are welcome to join multiple groups. For participation questions, contact researchenterprise@tufts.edu or the Pillar leaders.

  • Each Pillar is organized into multidisciplinary translational research groups or MTRGs. These groups provide structure to facilitate collaboration. Each MTRG focuses on an area of research within a pillar theme and is made up of groups of TU and TM investigators (minimum 4, ideally >6) that span the translational continuum from fundamental science to clinical and population research. MTRG investigators and their staff and trainees meet monthly to exchange research ideas and results and establish and execute on collaborative projects. The MTRGs are supported by the TU-TM Research Enterprise Project Administrator.

  • The Pillars were chosen based on existing strengths across TU and TM and their potential to significantly advance human health. This strategy does not restrict current or future investigator-initiated research at either organization. New investments will align with the Pillars, and many cross-cutting research methods connect naturally across multiple themes. The Pillars are sufficiently broad so that all investigators are encouraged to think about how their unique skills and expertise might also be applied to collaborations centered on the five strategic themes. The goal is to provide opportunities for every investigator at TU and TM to grow their research in new directions while also continuing their successful research programs.

  • No. Investigators may join research groups across multiple Pillars, and some MTRGs may span multiple themes.

  • The strategic plan adds structure and support to enhance collaboration across TU and TM, including pilot funding, administrative support for MTRGs, and coordination of major initiatives such as an annual research day.

  • More than 180 stakeholders were engaged in developing the strategy, including leaders from across TU and TM and over 80 Tufts University School of Medicine faculty members. Their input helped shape a strategy that leverages current strengths and aligns with institutional priorities and unmet medical needs.

  • The five Pillars align closely with Tufts University research priorities—Brain Health, Infection and Immunity, and Food and Nutrition—and with Tufts Medicine’s system-wide clinical priorities: Neuroscience and Behavioral Health, Cardiovascular Disease, Cancer, and Transplantation.

  • Four pilot funding calls are planned over the next 18 months. The first opportunity, the Russo Awards, is due January 30, 2026. These awards support innovative projects aligned with the Pillars. Additional calls will be announced on the TU–TM Research Enterprise website.

  • Yes. A pilot cluster-hiring process in 2024 successfully recruited two clusters (four faculty). The cluster hire process is now open again, with a joint TU–TM committee evaluating candidates based on excellence and alignment with Pillar needs.

  • Initiatives underway include uniform expedited processes for agreements for materials and data sharing, streamlined cross-network IT collaboration, and development of a strategically aligned biobank.

  • While the ultimate goal is to integrate research more fully between TU and TM, at this time, each entity will continue to have independent Research Administration teams.

  • The strategy will be re-evaluated every five years to ensure the TU–TM Research Enterprise remains at the forefront of biomedical research. Pillars may be refined based on emerging science and health needs.