The translational science training program at NIH: Introducing early career researchers to the science and operation of translation of basic research to medical interventions

Abstract Introduction: Evaluating clinical and translational research (CTR) mentored training programs is challenging because no two programs are alike. Careful selection of appropriate metrics is required to make valid comparisons between individuals and between programs. The KL2 program provides mentored-training for early-stage CTR investigators. Clinical and Translational Awards across the country have unique KL2 programs. The evaluation of KL2 programs has begun to incorporate bibliometrics to measure KL2 scholar and program impact. Methods: This study investigated demographic differences in bibliometric performance and post-K award funding of KL2 scholars and compared the bibliometric performance and post-K award federal funding of KL2 scholars and other mentored-K awardees at the same institution. Data for this study included SciVal and iCite bibliometrics and National Institutions of Health RePORTER grant information for mentored-K awardees (K08, K23, and KL2) at Case Western Reserve University between 2005 and 2013. Results: Results showed no demographics differences within the KL2 program scholars. Bibliometric differences between KL2 and other mentored-K awardee indicated an initial KL2 advantage for the number of publications at 5 years’ post-matriculation (i.e., the start of the K award). Regression analyses indicated the number of initial publications was a significant predictor of federal grant funding at the same time point. Analysis beyond the 5-year post-matriculation point did not result in a sustained, significant KL2 advantage. Conclusions: Factors that contributed to the grant funding advantage need to be determined. Additionally, differences between translational and clinical bibliometrics must be interpreted with caution, and appropriate metrics for translational science must be established.

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A matched cohort examination of publication rates among clinical subspecialty fellows enrolled in a translational science training program

Journal of Clinical and Translational Science ◽

10.1017/cts.2018.336 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 2 (5) ◽

pp. 327-333

Author(s):

Shawna L. Ehlers ◽

Katherine E. Cornelius ◽

Alexandra J. Greenberg-Worisek ◽

David O. Warner ◽

Karen M. Weavers ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Training Program ◽

Matched Control ◽

Formal Training ◽

Science Program ◽

Translational Science ◽

H Index ◽

Publication Rates ◽

Number Of Publications ◽

Certificate Training ◽

Science Training

AbstractPurposeThis study examined the effectiveness of a formal postdoctoral education program designed to teach skills in clinical and translational science, using scholar publication rates as a measure of research productivity.MethodParticipants included 70 clinical fellows who were admitted to a master’s or certificate training program in clinical and translational science from 1999 to 2015 and 70 matched control peers. The primary outcomes were the number of publications 5 years post-fellowship matriculation and time to publishing 15 peer-reviewed manuscripts post-matriculation.ResultsClinical and translational science program graduates published significantly more peer-reviewed manuscripts at 5 years post-matriculation (median 8 vs 5, p=0.041) and had a faster time to publication of 15 peer-reviewed manuscripts (matched hazard ratio = 2.91, p=0.002). Additionally, program graduates’ publications yielded a significantly higher average H-index (11 vs. 7, p=0.013).ConclusionThese findings support the effectiveness of formal training programs in clinical and translational science by increasing academic productivity.

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Implementing and Evaluating a Mentor Training to Improve Support for Early-Career Scholars in Tobacco Regulatory Science

Nicotine & Tobacco Research ◽

10.1093/ntr/ntz083 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 22 (6) ◽

pp. 1041-1045

Author(s):

Christy D Di Frances ◽

Ellen Childs ◽

Jessica L Fetterman ◽

Andrea C Villanti ◽

Cassandra A Stanton ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Training Program ◽

Research Training ◽

Early Career ◽

Regulatory Science ◽

Specific Information ◽

Mentor Training ◽

Regulatory Policies ◽

Early Career Researchers ◽

Career Trajectories ◽

Funding Opportunities

Abstract Introduction To implement and evaluate a blended online and in-person training to help mentors of early-career researchers appreciate the complexities of Tobacco Regulatory Science (TRS), refine TRS mentoring skills, and become acquainted with resources for providing effective guidance to TRS mentees. Methods TRS mentors engaged in a two-part pilot test of the training program. Authors evaluated both the online and in-person training using retrospective pre-post evaluations, which measure learning at the conclusion of a training program, and post-program focus groups. Twenty learners completed the online training, and 16 learners attended the in-person training module. Nine participants completed evaluations for the online module, and 12 participants completed evaluations for the in-person module. Results Program assessments revealed that participants found that the training achieved its overall goals. The majority of respondents (87.5%) rated the online portion of the training as valuable. For the in-person training, participants reported statistically significant improvements regarding confidence in: helping mentees to identify skills and training to effectively pursue TRS, assisting mentees in weighing career trajectories, and guiding mentees in conducting research responsive to TRS regulatory priorities. Conclusions The novel mentoring program was well received by faculty seeking to strengthen skills for mentoring early-career TRS researchers to navigate the complex landscape of TRS, explore diverse funding opportunities, and discern potential career trajectories. It provided unique content to address issues outside the traditional tobacco research training curriculum and offered specific information on regulatory policies, priorities, and opportunities. Implications This research documents the deployment and evaluation of a blended online and in-person training program for investigators mentoring early-career researchers working in TRS. Our assessment discovered that participants found the training to be valuable to their overall mentoring objectives. The training comprises a novel curriculum for investigators engaged in mentoring early-career researchers in a unique field, thus filling a deficit in the published literature by presenting a curriculum that has been customized to the unique needs of TRS mentors.

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Quick tips to perform a metabolomics study

10.7287/peerj.preprints.2002 ◽

2016 ◽

Author(s):

Biswapriya B Misra

Keyword(s):

Metabolic Regulation ◽

Strain Improvement ◽

Basic Research ◽

Industrial Applications ◽

Early Career ◽

Early Career Researchers ◽

Research Areas ◽

Metabolomics Study ◽

And Behavior ◽

Potential Use

Nascent, burgeoning, youngest, ‘connecting link between genotype and phenotype’ are just some of the phrases associated with this ‘omics’ where small molecules (metabolites with molecular weight < 2000 Daltons) are studied in biological systems, i.e., metabolomics. Currently, due to recent advances in the field, metabolomics has demanded large attention from scientists as it has shown tremendous potential in basic research such as the study interaction of ‘omes’ and the discovery of new biochemical pathways. Other areas of impact include metabolic regulation, disease biomarker identification, personalized medicine, clinical trials, toxicology, nutrigenomics, medicine diagnosis, and agriculture. Also included are industrial applications such as metabolic engineering in strain improvement in microbes. Here, the attempt is to get the scientific community interested and excited about the potential use of metabolomics in their existing research areas, by widening its dimensions to another level of data-oriented science leading to better interpretation and understanding of the function and behavior of organisms. Nonetheless, while excellent pioneering reviews and extremely successful studies exist in metabolomics, a summary and/or overview of this area is lacking at this moment. Thus, the target audience are not only researchers who are venturing into metabolomics, but also early career researchers, investigators, students, and individuals interested in implementing metabolomics in their current research and field. Typically, study design to publication can span from months to years in some cases, but without a general grasp of how beneficial and easy to implement metabolomics can be, further inquiry into the field may be mistakenly overlooked. I attempt to summarize and encapsulate the ‘usual’ trends in such efforts, identifying the critical steps to make the trends all fit into these quick tips. The objective of this article is to provide a bird’s eye view of metabolomics research that can be enjoyed over a mug of coffee while simultaneously providing an outline for a variety of audiences interested in incorporating this fascinating field in their work.

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Quick tips to perform a metabolomics study

10.7287/peerj.preprints.2002v1 ◽

2016 ◽

Author(s):

Biswapriya B Misra

Keyword(s):

Metabolic Regulation ◽

Strain Improvement ◽

Basic Research ◽

Industrial Applications ◽

Early Career ◽

Early Career Researchers ◽

Research Areas ◽

Metabolomics Study ◽

And Behavior ◽

Potential Use

Nascent, burgeoning, youngest, ‘connecting link between genotype and phenotype’ are just some of the phrases associated with this ‘omics’ where small molecules (metabolites with molecular weight < 2000 Daltons) are studied in biological systems, i.e., metabolomics. Currently, due to recent advances in the field, metabolomics has demanded large attention from scientists as it has shown tremendous potential in basic research such as the study interaction of ‘omes’ and the discovery of new biochemical pathways. Other areas of impact include metabolic regulation, disease biomarker identification, personalized medicine, clinical trials, toxicology, nutrigenomics, medicine diagnosis, and agriculture. Also included are industrial applications such as metabolic engineering in strain improvement in microbes. Here, the attempt is to get the scientific community interested and excited about the potential use of metabolomics in their existing research areas, by widening its dimensions to another level of data-oriented science leading to better interpretation and understanding of the function and behavior of organisms. Nonetheless, while excellent pioneering reviews and extremely successful studies exist in metabolomics, a summary and/or overview of this area is lacking at this moment. Thus, the target audience are not only researchers who are venturing into metabolomics, but also early career researchers, investigators, students, and individuals interested in implementing metabolomics in their current research and field. Typically, study design to publication can span from months to years in some cases, but without a general grasp of how beneficial and easy to implement metabolomics can be, further inquiry into the field may be mistakenly overlooked. I attempt to summarize and encapsulate the ‘usual’ trends in such efforts, identifying the critical steps to make the trends all fit into these quick tips. The objective of this article is to provide a bird’s eye view of metabolomics research that can be enjoyed over a mug of coffee while simultaneously providing an outline for a variety of audiences interested in incorporating this fascinating field in their work.

Download Full-text