Graphic showing how C/T Research Academy guides you through the early stages of your research career, from trainee to independent investigator. The graphic is made up of two connected rows. The top row shows career development during four stages. The first stage is clinical/research fellow. During this stage, you are supported by training program/funded researchers, and you build research and grant writing skills. The second stage is early career development. During this stage, you are supported by first grant/department, you continue to build research skills, and you generate supporting data and publications. The third stage is emerging investigator. During this stage, you are supported by career development/multi-year grant, you establish a track record and evidence of independence, and you serve as a near-peer mentor. The last stage is new investigator. During this stage, you are supported by RO1 or equivalent, you become a mentor and leader in the research community, and you advance and give back. The bottom row shows research funding goals for each of the stages. For clinical/research fellows, the goal is to acquire a first research grant to secure protected time in mentored research. The goal of the early career development stage is to acquire a K/career development or other small multi-year grant (e.g., Ro3, R21). The goal of the emerging investigator stage is to acquire a Ro1/equivalent independent multi-year research grant. The goal of the new investigator stage is to develop a diverse funding portfolio with federal, foundation, and/or industry partnerships.