Clinical and Translational Science Collaborative of Northern Ohio, An Intensive Summer Education Program in Translational Research for Underrepresented Students (INSPIRE-US)

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PROJECT SUMMARY The US population is becoming more diverse. However, the clinical and translational scientific and professional workforce is not representative of the US population and the underrepresentation of individuals from diverse backgrounds in the biomedical workforce hinders scientific discovery and adversely impacts the health of our nation. The NIH has already made substantial investments in research education programs. However, the predominant focus of the majority of NIH supported workforce development programs has narrowly focused on cultivating the next generation of doctorally prepared clinical and translational scientists with minimal attention to the need for a more inclusive biomedical sciences workforce that also includes underrepresented racial minorities (URMs) as scientists as well as research professionals who are critical to the production of clinical and translational science (CTS). To address the need for greater diversity in the CTS workforce, the proposed program, Intensive Summer Education Program in Translation Research for Underrepresented Students (INSPIRE-US), entails research education activities that align with the mission of the NIH and Case Western Reserve University. The proposed program, INSPIRE-US, builds on the institutional commitments of the University and the Cleveland Translational Science Collaborative, as well as the experience of the MPIs, an external advisory board, and program faculty who have led similar research education programs and understand the distinct learning and socioemotional needs of URM undergraduates interested in careers related to CTS. The INSPIRE-US program is conceptualized as a 10-week research education program that is tailored to the distinct needs of URM undergraduates. Across the five years of this program, the program leadership aim to recruit 25 program participants. The specific aims for this application are: (1) Recruit diverse and talented undergraduates through evidence-informed strategies and collaborative institutional partnerships with 9 historically black colleges and universities and surrounding community colleges; (2) Implement a theory-informed curriculum with complementary program activities that fosters community building and social support, hands on research experiences across the clinical and translational science continuum, didactic instruction and micro- credentialing focused on the fundamental concepts of clinical and translational science, and mentoring and career coaching activities that aim to promote persistence and the intention to pursue careers in CTS among program participants; and (3) Evaluate the short- and long-term effects of the INSPIRE-US program on participants’ career progression, program faculty, and the university. Our INSPIRE-US program leverages best practices known to promote career interest, research skill development, and the socioemotional support needed for URM undergraduates to successfully join the CTS workforce. If shown effective, the INSPIRE-US program is conceptualized to be reproducible and easily integrated into the activities of other Clinical Translational Science Awards (CTSA).