Enhancing Institutional Research Capacity: Results and Lessons from a Pilot Project Program

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Research
• Faculty Development
• Undergraduate Education

Background:

• The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Building University Infrastructure Leading to Diversity (BUILD) initiative aims to boost undergraduate engagement and retention in biomedical research.
• Portland State University's BUILD EXITO project provides a three-year mentored research experience for undergraduates across various scientific disciplines.
• A key component of BUILD EXITO is enhancing institutional research capacity through faculty development and pilot project funding.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report on the methods for implementing a pilot project program designed to train junior faculty in NIH proposal writing and submission.
• To fund faculty pilot projects that generate preliminary data for future grant applications.
• To provide guidance for institutions seeking to replicate or adapt this program for enhanced research capacity.

Main Methods:

• Two Requests for Applications (RFAs), modeled on NIH's R03 program, were issued over two years, offering up to $50,000 for one-year pilot studies.
• Principal Investigators (PIs) were encouraged to include undergraduate students, particularly those from the EXITO program, on their research teams.
• A rigorous submission and review process included proposal writing workshops, technical support, and external reviewer engagement, followed by PI revisions.

Main Results:

• Twenty pilot projects were funded across two RFAs, involving at least 21 undergraduate students who received research and dissemination mentorship.
• The program successfully guided junior faculty through the NIH proposal process, from initial submission to securing pilot funding.
• Lessons learned include optimizing reviewer recruitment timelines and methods, and facilitating collaboration between faculty and research administration.

Conclusions:

• The BUILD EXITO pilot project program effectively enhances institutional research capacity by training faculty and engaging students in mentored research.
• The program's structured approach, including proposal development support and external review, is crucial for faculty success in securing NIH funding.
• Key challenges involved managing timelines, engaging distant partners, and streamlining administrative processes for faculty at partner institutions.