NUCATS T32

Northwestern University At Chicago, Evanston IL

Investigators

Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT We propose an innovative T32 postdoctoral training program, Enhancing TRanslational science to Accelerate Impact of New innovations (E-TRAIN) T32, for the Northwestern University Clinical and Translational Sciences (NUCATS) Institute. This 2-year program will catalyze the careers of postdoctoral scientists, expanding their domain expertise through mentored research, and develop foundational skills in cross-disciplinary team science to accelerate development, validation, and dissemination of new health innovations. Trainees will learn and apply study design principles for translational research that is generalizable across health conditions impacting the health of all Americans, aligned with the National Center for Advancing Translational Science goal of “bringing more treatments to all people more quickly.” E- TRAIN will emphasize reducing clinical and translational science (CTS) barriers in mentoring on strategies to advance biomedical innovations from discovery to implementation to long-term sustainability. We will train appointees to drive rapid, scalable, and sustainable translation from laboratory to clinical and community settings. Interdisciplinary co-mentoring and coaching will engage faculty with different scientific viewpoints from across Northwestern University and its clinical affiliates, providing an unparalleled experience in transdisciplinary team science. We will emphasize the development of effective communication skills to engage and inform academic, industry, and community audiences through interactive, experiential learning formats. Trainees will thus build foundational skills for future leadership in academia, industry, and communities, enriching the CTS workforce. Key E-TRAIN program elements are a) trainee-centric, holistic career development tools and supports; b) a novel co-mentoring approach that integrates implementation science at all stages of translational research; and c) multi-modal seminars and activities to attain essential knowledge, skills, and abilities across the translational science spectrum. A strong emphasis on work-life integration, wellness, and the development of reflective practices promotes resilience and retention in translational research. The program leaders have strong records in education and mentoring as well as complementary skill sets spanning pre-clinical development to implementation science.