Building capacity for translational team science: digital badging as a pathway to professionalization

Area of Science:

• Team Science
• Translational Science
• Health Professions Education

Background:

• Effective translation of research into health improvements requires high-performing, interdisciplinary teams.
• The Science of Team Science (SciTS) provides frameworks, but challenges persist in translational team (TT) operations.
• The legitimacy and career pathways for team science expertise, particularly for the Team Science Professional (TSP), are underdeveloped.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the vital role of the Team Science Professional (TSP) within translational teams (TTs).
• To propose a novel digital micro-credentialing system to address career pathway and competency challenges for TSPs.
• To enhance the capacity of translational science initiatives through professional development.

Main Methods:

• Description of the Team Science Professional (TSP) role as an educator and facilitator.
• Proposal of a suite of stackable digital badges (micro-credentials) for TSPs.
• Preliminary evaluation of the feasibility and usability of the digital badge submission process.

Main Results:

• Four digital badge categories are proposed: "TS Fundamentals," "TS Practitioner," "TT Trainer," and "TT Intervention Expert."
• The digital badges offer customizable, portable recognition of skills for TSPs.
• Initial evaluations suggest the digital badge system is feasible and usable.

Conclusions:

• Digital micro-credentials can standardize and legitimize the TSP role, advancing career pathways.
• This initiative aims to enhance the effectiveness of translational science "Hubs" and improve health outcomes.
• Further examination of the impact of digital badging on career recognition and retention is planned.