Minority-Serving Institution Disability and Rehabilitation/Health Research Capacity-Building and Infrastructure...

Area of Science:

• Disability and Rehabilitation Research
• Health Services Research
• Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) Research Capacity

Background:

• Minority-serving institutions (MSIs) often face challenges in developing robust research infrastructure and skills.
• The Institutional Research Capacity Building and Infrastructure Model (IRCBIM) was developed to address these disparities.
• Sustaining research capacity is crucial for advancing disability and rehabilitation science.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of the Institutional Research Capacity Building and Infrastructure Model (IRCBIM) over an 8-year period.
• To assess the impact of IRCBIM on research capacity, infrastructure, and skills at minority-serving institutions (MSIs).
• To gather perspectives from faculty, staff, administrators, and students on the implementation of IRCBIM.

Main Methods:

• An 8-year longitudinal study employing a mixed-methods design.
• Data collection through online surveys and semi-structured interviews (face-to-face and telephone).
• Involved three study cohorts (faculty, staff/administrators, students) across five research-active institutions (RAIs).

Main Results:

• Participants perceived IRCBIM as effective in strengthening research capacity and infrastructure.
• The model was found to catalyze scientific productivity and enhance research skills.
• IRCBIM contributed to diversifying the biomedical, behavioral, and social science workforce in disability and rehabilitation research.

Conclusions:

• The successful implementation of IRCBIM at MSIs/RAIs signifies a paradigm shift towards greater inclusivity in research.
• Federal agencies (NIDILRR, NIH, NSF) should foster a more inclusive science and innovation ecosystem.
• Strengthening the connection between MSIs and disability/rehabilitation science advancement is essential.