Investigator Development Core

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FIU-RCMI Investigator Development Core (IDC) Abstract Expanding the cadre of well-trained researchers committed to addressing the complex underlying drivers of health disparities within the United States is an urgent priority. In particular, more researchers from health disparity populations are needed to improve our capacity to cultivate new insights into the root causes of health disparities and to identify innovative, culturally relevant solutions. The purpose of the Investigator Development Core (IDC) is to support the overall goals of FIU-RCMI by fostering and promoting health disparities research with mentorship, training, and research opportunities for early-stage investigators (ESIs), particularly those from populations underrepresented in the biomedical, behavioral, population, and clinical research workforce. For the proposed renewal application, the IDC will build on and improve its established pilot project and mentoring program for promising ESIs to help enhance their career development. The IDC will provide ESIs a three-phase support system, comprised of Pre-Pilot, Pilot Project, and Post-Pilot phases with the accompanying 3 Specific Aims: Aim 1. Annually recruit and establish a cohort of promising ESIs (Pre-Pilot Phase) by: a) providing health disparities research and grant writing training; b) soliciting R03-like health disparities-focused pilot applications; c) providing a rigorous NIH-like peer-review process, in which all applicants receive constructive feedback; d) providing ongoing grant writing support for unfunded applicants; and e) evaluating the application and peer-review process for equity and transparency. Aim 2. Provide multifaceted support to each cohort of ESIs during the implementation of their 1-2 year pilot project (Pilot Phase) by: a) assisting each cohort in navigating university research procedures and implementation challenges; b) ensuring all projects comply with applicable Federal research policies, laws, and regulations; c) monitoring the progress of all projects; d) supporting each ESI in pilot research outputs of peer-reviewed publications, presentations, and grant proposals; and e) providing Monthly Cohort Meetings with a professional development curriculum. Aim 3. Provide a mentoring program for ESIs (Pre-Pilot, Pilot Project and Post-Pilot Phases) by: a) assisting ESIs with identifying potential mentors and providing them with training about establishing and maintaining mentoring relationships; b) providing mentors with mentorship and related training; and c) monitoring mentoring team effectiveness. The mentoring program will be open to all ESIs interested in health disparities research. By the end of the five-year period, the program will result in a minimum of 100 ESIs – from a wide variety of academic and research backgrounds – who will have benefited from participating in the trainings, mentorship, and support provided by the IDC. Between 17-20 of these 100 ESIs will receive pilot funding and have successfully completed their pilot projects. All ESIs will receive health disparities, mentoring, and grant writing training to help bolster and prepare the next cadre of well-trained, committed researchers to combat and address health disparities in the United States.