The Investigator Development Core (IDC) provides training and support for eligible scholars (post-doctoral fellows, junior faculty and early stage investigators) with the objective of increasing scholars’ success in establishing extramural research programs and provide mentorship to sustain successful research careers.
To meet this objective, the IDC has developed the Steps Toward Academic Research (STAR) Leadership Program that provides grantsmanship training, pilot projects and professional development supported through the National Institutes of Health (NIH) 5U54MD006882-07 NIMHD GRANT mechanism and from institutional funds.
application period is currently closed
Eligibility: Who can apply
- Postdocs
- Junior faculty
- Early-stage investigators
Key program features
- Intensive grant writing, mentoring and professional development training
- Pilot grant funding to facilitate faculty success in health disparity research
- Team-based coaching and peer-interactions involving scientific and community experts
- Institutional support for continuing and renewal pilot projects to sustain faculty success
- Continued Scholar support for publications, networking and professional development through our Center for Excellence (COE) and National Research Mentoring Network (NRMN)
Curriculum schedule overview
| Training Modules | ||
| Coaching | Mentoring/Networking | Professional Development |
| Senior faculty provide some guidance on the scientific basis of the proposals, but they are ideally designed to complement input and feedback from subject matter expert mentors working in the respective field. | In addition to the mentoring team, each scholar will be registered with NRMNet, a virtual mentoring and networking platform. | (Face to Face and Online): The STAR Leadership scholars will be in a curriculum program infused with innovative strategies using in-person, distance and experiential learning formats to enhance their skills and knowledge in media relations, translation of research into practice, leadership, sustainability and policy as related to Minority Health and Health Disparities. |
| Curriculum | Research Project Development | Assessment |
| A three-year series of training topics are designed to develop the Minority Health and Health Disparity competencies in the STAR Leadership scholars. | At end of first year’s training, the scholar will have a polished and peer reviewed research project to apply for pilot award. | Assessments of mentees and mentors, curriculum, professional development program, through surveys, traditional assessment methods and innovative assessments. |
Contact Us
- Dr. Riyaz Basha, PhD, Co-I and Coordinator, riyaz.basha@unthsc.edu, 407-729-1419.
- Harlan Jones, PhD, Co-Director
817-735-2448 - Laura.Gonzalez, Senior Administrative Coordinator
817-735-7959
SUPPORTED BY THE 5U54MD006882-07 NIMHD GRANT
