CTSA R25 Program at University of Utah: Biomedical Research Inclusion & Diversity to Grow Excellence in science Undergraduate Program for HBCUs (BRIDGE UP–HBCU)

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PROJECT SUMMARY The mission of the Biomedical Research Inclusion & Diversity to Grow Excellence in Science – Undergraduate Program for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (BRIDGE UP-HBCU) is to build a translational research workforce reflecting the talent pool of our diverse population by increasing the pool of talented Black applicants for PhD and MD/PhD programs. This is especially important in the domain of translational science and research. In fact, Black Americans have increased prevalence of diabetes and cardiovascular disease, are overly represented in the end stage renal disease populations, and have poorer outcomes for most cancers. These stark health disparities demonstrate the key need for inclusion of Black biomedical scientists in all domains of translational research and clinical care, since data support that racial concordance improves patient outcomes and that diverse research teams foster innovation. The University of Utah CTSI is committed to fortifying, sustaining and amplifying the STEM pipeline that trains and launches a diverse translational research workforce. BRIDGE UP-HBCU will specifically address the leaks in the pipeline from undergraduate to doctoral training of Black and other underrepresented scientists. BRIDGE UP-HBCU will recruit students with an interest in translational research from partnership relationships with HBCUs, while expanding these relationships to additional HBCUs. These students demonstrate a strong drive for doctoral research and physician scientist research tracks and will benefit from exposure to the translational science spectrum, additional research-intensive training experiences and professional development, enhancing both their successful transition to top-tier doctoral and professional programs, as well as their long-term retention in the translational research and science tracks. In order to accomplish these goals, BRIDGE UP-HBCU will provide key proposed activities that include (1) holistic, culturally competent career-long mentor networks (2) experiences to undertake hypothesis-driven research; (3) scientific and professional skill development workshops and activities that hone strong oral and written communication skills, enhances their self-confidence and authentic scientific identity, and instills successful strategies for applying to graduate school. Building on institutional momentum and infrastructure at the University of Utah that is dedicated to supporting STEM equity, diversity and inclusion, BRIDGE UP-HBCU will fortify its trainees’ critical thinking and research experience, and develop a resilient mindset to persist in high-quality graduate programs and beyond. With these additional skills, BRIDGE UP-HBCU graduates will be prepared for leadership and mentorship roles in translational research career tracks.