Healthy Idaho Clinical and Translational Research Development Program Health Research Core

PROJECT SUMMARY – HEALTH RESEARCH (HR) CORE The Health Research (HR) Core for the Healthy Idaho Clinical & Translational Research Development (CTR- D) Program is a pivotal component of clinical and translational (C&T) research development in Idaho, enhancing research endeavors supported by the Pilot and Developmental Project funding mechanisms. The HR Core initiatives are dedicated to elevating C&T research projects that address the unique healthcare needs of Idahoans and supporting the training of C&T researchers, including medical and health professions students in Idaho. Investigators from partner and clinical affiliate institutions will be invited to propose Pilot Projects, one-year feasibility projects for innovative concepts to be developed into larger-scale grant projects; Developmental Projects, providing up to 2 years of funding for early-stage projects to generate preliminary data for future R01 grant proposals, will be available to researchers at partner institutions. Selection of projects will be completed through a competitive process. The HR Core will implement the Pilot and Developmental Project Program with four focused aims. (1) Establish organizational and management structure of the Health Research Core. This aim will ensure prompt, consistent, and rigorous project review, awards, and oversight; (2) Design and implement an efficient, well-integrated process for solicitation, review, and selection of project awardees. This aim will shape a dynamic and competitive call for proposals, leveraging an expert review committee composed of senior and junior reviewers, under Core Co-Lead leadership, to cultivate a rich diversity of ideas by engaging institutional champions and investigators across disciplines and career stages; (3) Provide career and research mentoring to Pilot and Developmental Project awardees. This aim will support career and research development and mentorship, particularly in clinical trials, and an orientation process for Pilot and Developmental Project awardees. Scientific progress is monitored by mentors, the HR Core, and External Advisory Committee; and (4) Oversee and evaluate progress of project awardees and the HR Core. This aim will ensure rigorous oversight and evaluation, collaborating with other CTR-D Cores, to maintain a robust project portfolio, ensuring meritorious projects receive funding each year. Completion of these aims will increase competitive, externally-funded C&T research production in Idaho and will support the development of a statewide workforce—including scientific leaders and investigators from both academic and clinical institutions—necessary to advance C&T science.