Investigator Development Core

Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff AZ

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY The Southwest Health Engagement and Research Collaborative (SHERC) at Northern Arizona University (NAU) is ideally positioned to provide rigorous scientific training for early-stage investigators, which will allow them address the most pressing biomedical and health challenges facing our nation. The overall goal of the Investigator Development Core (IDC) is to support the research training and career development of early-stage investigators (ESIs) in biomedical, clinical, and behavioral sciences. This goal will be met through 2 aims that build upon an established and highly successful Pilot Project Program (PPP). Aim 1 will enhance the PPP program with a focus on translational research and team science, providing investigators $50,000/year for up to 2 years to establish a successful research program. Investigators will systematically address basic biomedical mechanistic questions; apply findings to preclinical, biomedical, and behavioral research problems; and design clinical or behavioral interventions to improve health care and health outcomes. Dissemination and engagement strategies will leverage institutional connections to maximize real-world impact. Faculty selected for PPP funding will be expected to complete proposed research aims within set timelines; work directly with team science experts to enhance translational impact of their work; produce deliverables including peer reviewed publications and externally submitted grant proposals; and participate in national activities, faculty mentoring programs, and research development activities. Aim 2 will support career development of PPP research leads and other ESI faculty through an Individualized Mentoring Program (IMP). PPP applicants will receive individualized support throughout the proposal process and in selecting a mentorship team. Formal mentoring support will specifically address ways to enhance scientific rigor and productivity for ESI faculty. Overall program evaluation will combine objectively verifiable outcomes (promotions, publications, and submitted/funded grant proposals), validated outcome measures (mentorship effectiveness, competencies) and qualitative methods to gain deep insight into factors impacting career progression. In 5 years, we anticipate supporting ESI faculty (13 total investigators) through pilot research funding and participation in the IMP. We expect the investigators’ publications, external grant submissions, and ratings of mentor effectiveness and researcher confidence to increase over time. Through these outcomes, IDC will strongly enhance ESI scholar career development at NAU which in turn will greatly improve institutional capacity for high-quality biomedical, clinical and behavioral research.