Research Education Component

REVISED ABSTRACT: Research Education Component: Project Summary – 2P30AG066444-06 (5157) The aim of the Research Education Component (REC) within the Knight Alzheimer Disease Research Center (Knight ADRC) is to establish an adaptable training pathway to fulfill the nation's need for a clinical translational workforce in Alzheimer disease and related dementias (ADRD). The REC will support and accelerate the professional growth of trainees across career levels by leveraging the abundant research and training resources available at Washington University and through national partnerships. The REC's objectives are to: 1) Deliver a comprehensive 2-year mentored training program in ADRD research that addresses foundational ADRD knowledge, research ethics, and professional development skills with emphasis on the Knight ADRC theme of Alzheimer disease (AD) biomarkers; 2) Increase recruitment, training and success of early career scientists from fields not typically associated with ADRD research; 3) Develop a comprehensive mentor training and support program for REC scholars and mentors; and 4) Conduct strategic evaluations of program progress, with a focus on program improvement, processes and outcomes. The REC’s scope includes a structured REC Scholar program that engages a cohort of junior faculty in mentored research, multidisciplinary mentoring, ADRD competency education, leadership and professional development training, and networking opportunities. A second component of the REC is the Pathway Program which, in collaboration with other initiatives at WUSM, recruits and supports undergraduate and pre- and post-doctoral trainees into a supportive ADRD training ecosystem. Hallmarks of this program include mentored research, access to ADRD research competency educational materials, a journal club, and a poster session. Our mentor training program will be available to both junior and senior faculty, is designed to support investigators in biomedical research, and will include training in mentoring skills. Mentors at all levels will be supported by experienced “mentoring champions.” Our robust evaluation process will allow us to monitor progress, hone the program as needed, and understand the outcomes of this work. We will achieve our aim to develop the next generation of independent ADRD researchers with the support of our outstanding REC faculty and mentors, the expansive research infrastructure available at WUSM, a strong network of multidisciplinary training resources and expertise, and our exceptional candidate pool.