Developing a team science workshop for early-career investigators.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical research
• Team science
• Investigator training

Background:

• High-impact biomedical research increasingly relies on large, transdisciplinary, multisite teams.
• Traditional scientific education often lacks robust teamwork skills training, particularly for early-career investigators.
• Existing team science training primarily targets clinical teams, not research teams, and overlooks early-career needs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address the need for specialized team science skills training for early-career investigators.
• To develop and deliver a targeted workshop to enhance team science competencies.

Main Methods:

• Designed and delivered a 2-day workshop for early-career investigators.
• Operationalized team science competencies and consulted experts.
• Conducted a needs assessment including surveys and qualitative studies to identify training priorities.

Main Results:

• Workshop attendees (30 pre- and post-doc fellows, early-career faculty) showed statistically significant improvement in team science skills and confidence post-training.
• Pre- and post-workshop surveys (n=25) using the Team Skills Scale indicated positive impact.
• Qualitative feedback confirmed the workshop's appropriateness and relevance to trainee needs.

Conclusions:

• Team science education is emerging, with targeted training showing promise.
• This workshop improved early-career investigators' team skills and confidence.
• Such training may foster better collaboration in biomedical research settings.