PHILADELPHIA, October 28, 2025 – Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University has established the Clinical and Translational Sciences Center (CTSC) to speed the translation of scientific discoveries into life-changing treatments and healthcare innovations. The center is supported by a portion of a transformative $28 million gift earlier this year from Sidney and Caroline Kimmel, who are matching new contributions to the CTSC dollar for dollar to inspire additional philanthropy.
"The CTSC will bridge the gap between science and society by making research more collaborative, efficient, and impactful. The center ensures that discoveries are rapidly translated into better health for all, whether the work involves developing new vaccines, advancing personalized medicine, or improving chronic disease management, training the next generation of researchers and teaching best practices in team science and patient engagement," said Said Ibrahim, MD, the Anthony F. and Gertrude M. DePalma Dean of Sidney Kimmel Medical College.
Beyond clinical outcomes, a strong biomedical research infrastructure is a proven economic driver. This center supports high-skill employment across academia, biotech, pharma, and healthcare sectors. It is essential for attracting private sector investment and stimulates regional economies through infrastructure development, supply chains, and specialized healthcare service demand. “Jefferson’s commitment to maintaining leadership in medical innovation is what powers our academic engine, allowing us to train future leaders who will deliver cutting-edge care globally,” said Susan Aldridge, PhD, president of Thomas Jefferson University. “The Kimmels' deep generosity and trust in our academic mission ensure we are equipped to pursue even greater excellence as a comprehensive research institution for years to come.”
Jefferson is uniquely positioned to strategically build a leading clinical and translational research program. By leveraging its vast clinical scale and the remarkable diversity of its patient population—spanning urban, suburban, and rural communities—Jefferson is well-equipped to drive innovations in biomedical research, treatments, and preventive strategies. “This investment will enable Jefferson to better respond to future public health emergencies and effectively address persistent chronic disease burdens, such as cancer, diabetes, and mental health, and creates a mechanism to reduce health disparities, thereby ensuring that new treatments are effective for diverse patient populations while training and mentoring the future generation of biomedical researchers,” said Baligh R. Yehia, MD, MPP, MSc, president of Jefferson Health.
The CTSC's infrastructure is designed to dramatically expand Jefferson's capacity for research and funding. It will allow Jefferson to significantly increase its footprint in industry-supported clinical trials across vital areas, including cardiovascular diseases, neuroscience, and cancer.