CTSA Predoctoral T32 at University of Minnesota

The mission of the Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) predoctoral T32 Program is to contribute to the nation’s biomedical workforce by training a diverse pool of scientists in clinical and translational science (CTS) and leadership. We will meet this mission by developing, implementing, and continually improving a training program for predoctoral trainees (Scholars) that integrates a mentored research experience with an individualized curriculum combined with professional development activities highlighting our institutional strengths in community engagement, data science, team science, and effective communication skills. The UMN CTSI T32 Program is built upon our current successful Translational Research and Career Development (TRACT) TL1 program, which guided the development of early-stage CTS researchers over the past 4 years. Through personalized mentorship, coursework, seminars, and other tools, the TRACT program has guided 18 predoctoral Scholars along a rigorous path of professional development in CTS. Moving forward, the new UMN CTSI T32 Program’s mission is to educate and train a diverse group of Scholars from across the UMN system in the fundamentals of CTS through a 2-year comprehensive yet individualized program that complements their education and training in their interdisciplinary doctoral programs. We will recruit and train 3 cohorts (diverse in discipline and underrepresented populations) of 8 predoctoral Scholars from across UMN. The UMN CTSI T32 will provide a research experience with mentors trained in evidence-based mentoring and collaboration with community members throughout the research process, inclusive of a Community Mentor and team science across the UMN ecosystem. The UMN CTSI T32 will also include near-peer learning experiences with other CTSI program Scholars, as well as provide education and opportunities for a variety of career paths. The UMN CTSI T32 will use a comprehensive and adaptive evaluation plan for rigorous programmatic assessment and continuous quality improvement to maximize the training experience. The principal Scholar outcome is to have a deep knowledge in the science of translation beyond translational research. Another key Scholar outcome is an understanding of the importance of, and key strategies for, building truly collaborative interdisciplinary teams composed of people from diverse backgrounds and experiences whose collective roles synergistically optimize the advancement of diagnostics, therapeutics, clinical interventions, and behavioral modifications that improve health. Other outcome measures include the ability to communicate and engage with other scientists and nonscientific audiences and collaborators through our intensive formalized training in communicating science and community engagement (i.e., the Community Mentor Program). Programmatic outcomes include the development of training modules and workshops on the most effective community engagement and communications strategies exportable to the national CTSA consortium.