Training T-shaped translational scientists.

Area of Science:

• Translational Science
• Scientist Training
• Medical Research

Background:

• Translational scientists are crucial for moving research discoveries to clinical application.
• Key characteristics include systems thinking, process innovation, boundary spanning, teamwork, and communication.
• The I-Corps@NCATS program aims to cultivate these essential traits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the I-Corps@NCATS program's effectiveness in developing translational scientist characteristics.
• To assess the program's impact on participants' skills in systems thinking, process innovation, boundary spanning, teamwork, and communication.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods evaluation was employed across 22 Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) Hubs.
• Survey items assessed self-reported abilities related to core translational scientist characteristics.
• Open-ended comments were coded to identify shifts in translational orientation and additional characteristics.

Main Results:

• Participants reported the greatest gains in systems thinking and skilled communication abilities.
• Highest self-assessed abilities were in teamwork and boundary spanning.
• Intellectual humility and cognitive flexibility were identified as additional key characteristics.

Conclusions:

• I-Corps@NCATS accelerates translational science by imparting knowledge of the translation process.
• The program fosters the development of a translational scientist mindset and essential characteristics.
• This training supports the progression of research from concept to practical application.