NJ ACTS: A Platform for Translational Science in New Jersey: CTSA K12 Program at Rutgers, Biomedical Health Sciences

Project Summary/Abstract The objective of the New Jersey Alliance for Clinical and Translational Science (NJ ACTS) Institutional Career Development Award (K12), Doctors as Valued Learning Partners (DEVELOP), is to train clinicians and scientists with doctoral degrees to become independent investigators pursuing cutting-edge clinical and translational sciences (CTS) research. Serving the diverse needs of early career investigators from a variety of backgrounds (including PhD, MD, DDS, DMD, DO and PharmD), the DEVELOP program will provide a tailored approach for each Scholar that fosters development of the key skills required of translational scientists. In our first 4 years and despite a pandemic, the KL2 program was highly successful and its Scholars highly productive. In response to the PAR, we now have re-imagined the KL2 program as the K12 DEVELOP program. The DEVELOP program is comprised of intensive research experiences, a core curriculum, elective courses, professional development training, and multi-disciplinary mentoring. The result will be a cadre of translational Scholars with a strong understanding of mechanistic approaches to study disease processes and healthcare delivery, the tools and methodologies used to translate important basic science discoveries to clinical and community settings, and an understanding of how public policy should inform basic science research. NJ ACTS, an Alliance consisting of Rutgers University, Princeton University, New Jersey Institute of Technology, and RWJBarnabas Health system, provides an environment with substantial research resources and experienced faculty mentors, who have a strong track record of and commitment to fostering career development of future clinical and translational scientists. DEVELOP Scholars will be early career faculty from Alliance partners or f a c u l t y b e i n g recruited externally. Selection of DEVELOP Scholars will be based on qualifications and interests as well as research potential and commitment to developing a career in the translational sciences. DEVELOP Scholars will engage in two years of individualized and intensive research under the direction of highly qualified and productive mentors who are members of the Academy of Mentors. The mentoring program is structured to provide the Scholar with a strong, broad, and fundamental knowledge base individually tailored for translational science. Scholars will additionally participate in an innovative didactic curriculum consisting of research seminars, journal clubs, and formal courses, including in the ethical conduct of research and rigor and responsibility. Individual development plans, well-defined milestones, and regular meetings with mentors and NJ ACTS leadership will ensure the Scholars’ successful progress towards becoming independent translational scientists. The ample resources to enrich Scholar development as faculty underscore the continued institutional commitment to translational science. Anticipated outcomes include excellence in career development, increased awareness of and interest in translational sciences, and in the long-term advancement of clinical translational sciences to improve health.