A CTSA-sponsored program for clinical research coordination: networking, education, and mentoring

Area of Science:

• Clinical and Translational Science
• Research Professional Development
• Academic Infrastructure

Background:

• The University of Iowa received a National Institutes of Health Clinical and Translational Science Award.
• A need was identified to develop infrastructure supporting research professionals.
• Key goals included professional identification, education, and mentorship.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the development process of a new system for research professionals.
• To detail the initiation and implementation of the system.
• To report the outcomes of the established networking, educational, and mentoring system.

Main Methods:

• Establishing an infrastructure for research professionals.
• Identifying research professionals within the institution.
• Developing a comprehensive educational series (orientation and continuing education).
• Creating a structured mentoring system.

Main Results:

• Successful development and initiation of a integrated system.
• Positive outcomes reported for networking, education, and mentorship components.
• Enhanced support structure for research professionals at the University of Iowa.

Conclusions:

• The implemented system effectively supports research professionals.
• The initiative successfully fostered a collaborative and educational environment.
• The project demonstrates a model for institutional support of research careers.