The Texas Resource Center on Minority Aging Research (RCMAR)

University Of Texas Med Br Galveston, Galveston TX

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

REVISED ABSTRACT: The Research Education Component (REC) will contribute to expanding and strengthening the next generation of leaders on population aging and health research by supporting structured multidisciplinary research, education and mentoring, individualized learning experiences, nationwide networking, and participation in targeted multidisciplinary team science. For this renewal of the Texas RCMAR, the REC will perform activities through a new partnership between the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) and the University of Texas San Antonio (UTSA), as well as continue our existing collaboration with UT-Austin. We will leverage complementary resources from our three institutions to advance the overall theme of the Texas RCMAR. Over the past cycle, the Texas RCMAR participating faculty have created a network of P30, R13, K12, KL2, T32, individual K-awards, and other federal funding to support the program activities. To this network, we will incorporate UTSA expertise in social/behavioral science. Our structured plan for mentoring and training scientists recruited at the assistant professor level, takes advantage of existing strengths, integrates our best practices, and launches new initiatives to recruit and retain scientists. Working closely with the Leadership & Administrative Core (LAC) and the Analysis Core (AnC), the REC will seek to complete the following Specific Aims: Aim 1: Identify, recruit, and retain qualified candidates who have the potential to develop successful careers in population aging and health consistent with the mission and theme of the Texas RCMAR. We will do this by implementing a clearly defined recruitment program that attracts promising Scientists to address the RCMAR’s theme and aims, including a new initiative of ‘pipeline scientists’ who are engaged a year ahead of their start in the program. We anticipate a new cohort of four new Scientists each year. Aim 2: Create and monitor an Individualized Career Development Plan for each Scientist. Upon recruitment, a 2-year Plan as RCMAR Scientist will identify a lead mentor and mentoring team members with defined roles, regular meetings, and specific professional development experiences. The Plan will include benchmarks, timeline, and outcomes. Aim 3: Implement and monitor a Structured Program of Mentoring and Research Education, with activities for the scientists in the program. The Pilot Project in year-1 of their Plan will serve as the platform for the structured program to boost the scientists’ careers in aging, followed by a focus in year-2 on productive team science and seeking external funding. Activities will include biweekly group meetings, training in social and behavioral aspects of population aging and health, team science, the preparation and submission of grant proposals, a K-award discussion group, and training in the responsible conduct of research. RCMAR Scientists will maintain a Scientific Portfolio that documents milestones and reflects progress, which will be used in a formal process to evaluate achievements and improve the effectiveness of the program. RCMAR Scientists will be mentored by experienced senior faculty and a multidisciplinary team of affiliated faculty from our institutions.