Investigator Development Core

Texas Southern University, Houston TX

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Investigator Development Core (IDC) The Center for Biomedical and Health Research (CBMHR) Investigator Development Core (IDC) is dedicated to advancing the careers of early-stage investigators (ESIs) in basic, behavioral, and clinical research to advance health research at Texas Southern University (TSU). These applicants, strategically recruited from a large pool of scientists through the CBMHR Administrative Core (ADC), represent the next generation of thought leaders in biomedical, behavioral, and clinical research. IDC equips these talented pilot project applicants with comprehensive proposal development resources, including personalized mentorship, interactive webinars, and individualized grantsmanship coaching. New to this iteration of proposed RCMI funding, novel research studios and community engagement studios will be leveraged for strategic research plans and community voices and perspectives to guide research strategy. At the heart of the IDC program is a robust Pilot Project (PP) Program designed to provide critical funding and developmental support to assistant professors, postdoctoral fellows, and research scientists/faculty. Each year, the IDC will support four pilot projects, providing up to $50,000 per award to cover personnel effort, research supplies, and travel to professional conferences. Awardees will also engage in a rigorous professional development program, including the creation of an Individual Development Plan (IDP), participation in seminars and grant-writing workshops, and delivery of professional presentations. Progress in research and career advancement will be closely monitored, ensuring that awardees are well-prepared to submit competitive research proposals. The program’s specific aims include 1) implement a rigorous career advancement and research mentoring and training program in synergy with the resources from ADC TEAMRCMI, Research Capacity Core (RCC), Community Engagement Core (CEC), and collaborative institutions; 2) solicit and support the development of innovative PP proposals in the areas of basic, behavioral, clinical, community health and population science research; 3) select pilot projects with high impact for improving human health conditions and high potential for follow-on extramural funding; and 4) establish mechanisms for evaluation, continuous improvement, and dissemination of findings to the community. The overarching goal of the IDC is to yield a pipeline of well-trained investigators in biomedical, behavioral, and clinical research poised to secure prestigious extramural funding, such as NIH K- and R-series awards, and to advance science through rigorous, reproducible, and generalizable research.