Investigator Development Core

PROJECT SUMMARY The University of Chicago and Rush University Medical Center both have well-developed infrastructures for health disparities research that support a number of established investigators with diverse areas of expertise. Both institutions also have longstanding partnerships with a multitude of key community organizations in their respective geographic locations on Chicago’s West and South sides. The Investigator Development Core for the Chicago Chronic Condition Equity Network (C3EN) seeks to leverage these strengths to expand and cultivate the regional network of health disparities researchers in the greater Chicago region. The Core has three aims. Aim 1 is to manage a Research Project Pilot Grant program that funds compelling pilot studies from a diverse group of early stage health disparities researchers. Funding priority will go to proposals for pilot studies that inform novel interventions to reduce chronic disease disparities, that include intersectoral work that features collaborations with community partners in non-health sectors, and that come from investigators with underrepresented backgrounds. Aim 2 is to award “mini-grants” to support important, time-limited activities that strengthen an academic-community collaboration prior to and following the conduct of a research study. These activities help identify priorities for collaboration, inform the design of a research project, and help to demonstrate the researcher’s commitment to the partnership. Aim 3 is to provide early stage grantees with unique resources and support as they conduct their pilot project, publish their work, and prepare funding proposals that build on their preliminary data. Both during and after their pilot project, grantees will have access to a formal mentorship program; ongoing methodological support in biostatistics, data science, and intersectoral action for health; and regular engagement in research progress meetings and seminar series. We will track and adapt our approach based on meaningful performance metrics that capture our Core’s ability to inspire and support innovative pilot projects that catalyze the careers of the next generation of health disparities researchers in the greater Chicago region.