Cross-Training Core (ROBIN-NEST)

Education and training in the radiation medicine sciences are frequently compartmentalized along specific well- worn paths with only superficial attention given to complementary disciplines. The mission of the Harvard/UCSF ROBIN-Next generation Education and Scientific Training (NEST) is to organize and support a cohort of educational, research and professional development initiatives that operate across disciplines and training stages and serve as a model environment for the future radiation sciences workforce. The ROBIN-NEST will disrupt the traditional training paradigm by creating and supporting a novel educational and knowledge-sharing network that drives training, individual engagement and networking. The Harvard/UCSF ROBIN-NEST will advance the following aims: 1) develop didactic materials with a new learning platform for inter-disciplinary learning, 2) foster knowledge-sharing across disciplines in the ROBIN Network, and 3) advance professional development of the next generation of leaders in radiation medicine. Through multidisciplinary educational partnerships the ROBIN-NEST will engage a wide network of learners and educators including outreach to local schools through established, highly subscribed NIH- funded programs. The long-term objective of the ROBIN- NEST is to establish and grow a new and unique cross-training paradigm. The ROBIN-NEST will cultivate a new generation of scientists, ready to break down traditional barriers. We anticipate that this model will inspire an enduring legacy of inter-disciplinary innovation beyond the ROBIN Network to bring impactful ideas to the aid of the increasing population of patients and families seeking hope.