Delaware Clinical and Translational Research ACCEL Program (Professional Development Core)

ABSTRACT – PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CORE Primary goals of the Delaware CTR ACCEL program include facilitating clinical and translational research (CTR) across disciplines and increasing faculty competitiveness for research funding. The ACCEL PDC has sought to reach, connect, and support clinician scientists and junior faculty as they pursue their first grants including pass-through funding (e.g., an ACCEL or other IDeA program pilot award) or external funds (e.g., K award, COBRE target project, foundation grant, or R grant). The ACCEL-CTR Professional Development Core (PDC) was established to support the development of CTR investigators. The PDC has established successful programs, including Mentored Research Development Awards (MRDA), sponsorship of a statewide Junior Investigators’ Network (JIN), and collaborations with the DE IDeA States Clinical Trials Network and the DE INBRE. In ACCEL3, we enhance our existing programs and add three key programs: (i) integrated mentor training to support emerging investigators, expand our base of clinical research mentors and deploy best practices; (ii) tools to help novice investigators identify and navigate regulatory requirements, administrative processes, and resources for clinical studies; (iii) a more organized and self-sufficient JIN to enhance peer support and collaborative program development. The PDC in ACCEL3 has three Specific Aims. Aim 1: Provide integrated mentor training and support programs. The PDC will provide resources and training, and “Mentor Champions” will be installed at ACCEL institutions to support local mentors and support the engagement of faculty with ACCEL. Aim 2: Implement a Pathways to Success program. Resources to overcome common barriers to clinical research will be deployed as self-guided tools detailing processes relevant to ACCEL faculty and providing coaching in areas of need. Aim 3: Develop peer subgroups within our JIN. The PDC will work with the JIN to provide peer programs and educational resources specific to investigators’ needs. Aim 4: Strengthen existing programs to further increase competitiveness for external funding. Existing PDC programs designed to help faculty develop strong grant submissions will be enhanced to provide targeted support. The PDC is led by Robert Akins and an accomplished team with representatives from multiple disciplines across ACCEL. Execution of PDC aims will advance the professional development of ACCEL investigators, increase competitiveness for external funding, and support a more effective clinical and translational research mentoring.