VA GENIUS: Growing Excellence in Next-generation Investigators Undertaking Translational Science

Va Eastern Colorado Health Care System, Aurora CO

Investigators

Abstract

Project Background: In the United States, individuals who identify as racial/ethnic minorities, women, LGBTQ+, disabled, Veterans, or from rural or generationally poor backgrounds are underrepresented among translational scientists.4-7 Public Law 114-329, the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act of 2017, charged the federal government with addressing this disparity: “Given the shifting demographic landscape, the United States should encourage full participation of individuals from underrepresented populations in STEM fields.”8 Disparities in scientific participation reflect structural barriers that undermine scientific integrity and the overall knowledge base.9-11 As part of the VA Office of Research & Development’s effort to address disparities in science training and careers, this application proposes the VA GENIUS (Growing Excellence in Next- generation Investigators Undertaking translational Science) program. VA GENIUS is a collaboration between two VHA Centers of Excellence, the VA Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center (RM MIRECC) and the VA Eastern Colorado Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center (EC GRECC), in partnership with the Colorado Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute (CCTSI). Impact on Veteran Health Care: The National Institutes of Health documented that, “individuals…when grouped in diverse combinations, increase workgroup/team innovation and creativity,” which leads to better outcomes.21, p. 12240 In recognition of the growing body of evidence that diverse research teams produce better science, researchers focused on studying conditions affecting Veterans’ health have called for the diversification of the research workforce to advance equity in Veteran health care.22,23 Attention to population specific issues in research and development of interventions tailored to be responsive to diverse identities can reduce disparities, improve care, and enhance Veteran perceptions of the Veterans Health Administration.24,25 Project Objectives: The purpose of VA GENIUS is to provide mentorship and applied educational opportunities in the translational sciences to undergraduates from historically excluded groups to prepare them for VA research and clinical careers. Its specific aims are to 1) facilitate participants’ advanced training in the translational sciences, 2) increase participants’ interest in translational science careers, and 3) encourage participants to choose VA careers. Project Methods: The RM MIRECC participated in the three-year pilot program of the diversity summer research program (SRP). VA GENIUS builds on the lessons of the successful pilot SRP and expands the educational and research opportunities via new partnerships with EC GRECC and CCTSI to create greater impact. The VA GENIUS training curriculum uses a combination of foundational education techniques including interactive didactic presentations, structured readings and webinars, and independent research projects, combined with innovative experiential learning including hands-on activities and participation, professional observation and networking, and multi-tiered mentoring. This approach to education on the translational sciences will both provide interns generalizable skills for study and work in other scientific settings (foundational knowledge) and challenge and expand understanding of their own interests and possible career paths (innovative participation). Both foundational knowledge and innovative participation learning will be structured along the translational science spectrum (TSS), as described by the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), from preclinical to public health science.12 At the center of TSS is stakeholder engagement. VA GENIUS interns will receive training on stakeholder engagement in research and meet with three Veteran boards engaged in research. To assess the impact of VA GENIUS, we have outlined key formative, process and summative evaluation questions, the associated metrics and indicators of success, and data collection methods/measures, including the timing or frequency of administration.