Education & Training
Institutional Career Development and Training
Frontiers plays a critical role in educating and training researchers through comprehensive education and training programming in a wide variety of settings and for the full spectrum of learners. While the primary focus of this core is providing education on how to conduct and advance translational research, additional training in entrepreneurship, implementation and dissemination research, engaging with diverse participants and communities, informatics, and participant recruitment is also available to trainees, scholars, faculty and collaborators.
To learn more about Training opportunities, please reach out to Tresza Hutcheson, Ph.D., MA, at 913.588.3030.
For additional information on the Mock Study Section, please reach out to Nicole Nuckolls, Ph.D.
Early Career Faculty Career Development (KL2 Scholars Program)
The KL2 Mentored Career Development Award is specifically designed to foster the development of early career faculty interested in conducting groundbreaking clinical and translational research. Frontiers is wholly committed to attracting and welcoming diverse, early-stage researchers to its institutions.
Request for Applications 2023 Information
Benefits of the KL2 program:
- Salary support for up to 75% protected time dedicated to clinical and translational research
- Two years of training in a collaborative, supportive environment
- Intensive mentored research experience
- Formal training in clinical and translational research
- Approximately $20,000 in research funds per year (e.g., project supplies, publication costs, travel)
- Assistance toward securing independent funding by the end of Year 2
If you have questions, please reach out to Tresza Hutcheson, Ph.D., MA.
Current and Past KL2 Scholars
Pre-doctoral Career Development (TL1-Pre-doctoral Program)
Pre-doctoral Career Development (TL1 Pre-doctoral Program)
Frontiers TL1 Predoctoral Clinical and Translational Research Training Program
The predoctoral track is a 1-year award specifically designed to stimulate interest in clinical research careers for M.D., DO, DNP, PharmD, DPT, DDS, and DVM students within the final two years of their clinical doctoral degree by creating a dual-degree training track designed to foster active learning and clinical and translational science career development.
Request for Applications Information
Benefits of the TL1 Predoctoral program:
- One year of training and support
- Intensive mentored research experience with formal training in clinical and translational research
- MS-Clinical Research degree with full tuition remission
- Monthly National Institutes of Health (NIH) National Research Service Award (NRSA) Predoctoral trainee stipend
- Research funds provided (e.g. project supplies, publication costs, consultant services, etc.)
- Travel support to attend the National Association for Clinical and Translational conference
Bertha De Los Santos
KU Medical Center, PharmD student
Post-doctoral Career Development (TL1 Post-doctoral Program)
The TL1 postdoctoral award provides 1- or 2-years of protected time for recent graduates of doctoral programs or clinical fellowships or residencies. This award provides trainees with the additional skills, mentoring and research experience needed to launch a career in translational research.
Request for Postdoctoral Application 2023
Benefits of the TL1 Postdoctoral program:
- Up to 2 years of training and support
- Intensive mentored research experience with formal training in clinical and translational research
- Monthly NIH NRSA Postdoctoral level-appropriate trainee stipend
- Tuition remission for MS-Clinical Research coursework
- Research funds provided annually (e.g. project supplies, publication costs, consultant services, etc.)
- Additional travel support to attend the National Association for Clinical and Translational conference
If you have questions, please reach out to Tresza Hutcheson, Ph.D., MA.
Skill Enhancement and Training for Research Faculty
All clinical and translational researchers require opportunities to improve their skills and learn new approaches. Frontiers is committed to offering relevant, timely and high value training reflecting all aspects of clinical and translational research. Programs offer training in topics such as best practices for engaged research, nationally vetted recruitment and retention methods, practice facilitation and other useful tools and techniques. Frontiers leverages the expertise among Frontiers partner institutions to offer special training in entrepreneurship and implementation research.
Mock Study Section
Frontiers Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) will host Mock Study Sections semiannually to facilitate pre-submission review of National Institutes of Health (NIH) R and K series grant applications. These sessions are intended to provide advance review of planned proposal submissions by Frontiers-affiliated clinical and translational science researchers. The purpose of this program is to increase the likelihood of NIH funding success by providing feedback to prospective applicants on grant proposals prior to submission. The mock study sections simulate an actual NIH study section, providing timely feedback to prospective applicants using the NIH's review criteria.
The spring Mock Study Section will be April 27, 2023.
Interested in attending the April 27, 2023 Mock Study Section? Register here.
For questions about the program, please contact Nicole Nuckolls, Ph.D.
The NIH Mock Study Section is available to clinical and translational researchers affiliated with any Frontiers institution. The service is open to all career stages whose work is defined by the NIH as Clinical and Translational Research (CTR). The NIH definition includes patient-oriented research, epidemiologic and behavioral studies, outcomes research, and health services research.
Request Review
Researchers who are interested in pre-review of an NIH grant proposal through the mock study section should complete the online Letter of Intent (LOI) through our Consultation Request Form before the program cycle deadline. Frontiers Central will review LOI submissions to confirm eligibility and applicability of the mock study section review process. Accepted applicants will receive a link to submit their completed draft proposal as a single PDF by 5:00 PM CT on the full proposal deadline date.
LOIs due Feb. 27, 2023.
Applications will be due March 24, 2023.
Applicant Responsibilities
A completed draft of each applicant's NIH proposal must be submitted by the program cycle deadline. Early submission allows time for careful review by members of the Study Section. Accepted applicants will receive a link to submit their completed draft proposal by the due date. Applicants are advised to submit the LOI early and then focus on developing their application. The Frontiers Mock Study Section is most beneficial when applications are complete and compliant with NIH grant submission guidelines. Required proposal documents vary by NIH funding mechanism but are limited to those key parts that are needed for an effective review. Visit the links below to download a list of required documents by grant type. Currently, R and K series grants are eligible for review through the mock study section.
Reviewer Selection
Applicants are asked to recommend qualified reviewers during the LOI process. Additional reviewers will be invited based on (1) their content area expertise and its relevance to the applications under review, and (2) their experience reviewing the specific NIH grant types submitted by applicants. Final selection of reviewers for a specific mock study section event is determined by the content of proposals submitted by applicants.
Submitted applications will be available to reviewers at least one month prior to the study section meeting. Reviewers will be asked to submit preliminary scores and written critiques at least one week before the meeting using an online platform.
Interested in being a reviewer? Fill out our form.
Feedback and Evaluation
Applicants and observers will be invited to attend the in-person study section meeting, which simulates an actual NIH study section. Applications will be discussed and final scores assigned during this meeting. Following the meeting, co-chairs of the study section prepare a final summary statement. The summary statement, scores, and written feedback are returned to applicants approximately 1-2 weeks after the mock study session meeting.
Program Benefits
The mock study section mirrors the NIH review process. Three faculty reviewers provide initial scores prior to the discussion. At the mock study section, co-chairs facilitate the panel review. Three faculty reviewers discuss feedback on individual grant applications, and final scores are given after the discussion is complete. The study section uses NIH scoring criteria and procedures. The entire review panel scores each application. Comments are compiled into a Summary Statement and released to applicants 1-2 weeks following the mock study section.
The mock study section provides grant-writers with a better understanding of NIH review procedures and timely feedback on in-progress proposals to improve the quality of grant submissions.
Observers are invited to attend the Mock Study Section to better understand the NIH review process and the criteria used to evaluate applications.
Program Process
Applicant Registers and Submits Materials:
- Applicant submits an online Letter of Intent and Specific Aims page by 5:00 PM CT on the deadline date (Feb. 27, 2023).
- Frontiers Central recruits qualified reviewers
- If accepted, the applicant submits a full grant application through an invitation link by 5:00 PM CT on the cycle deadline date
- Grants are distributed to assigned reviewers
Mock Study Section Review:
- Grant is initially scored and reviewed by three study section members
- Entire panel discusses the proposal
- Co-chair summarizes the discussion and reviewers revisit scores
- Entire panel completes score sheet
- Observers/applicants can attend the meeting to learn the process and hear the grant discussion
Summary Statement - Feedback:
- Administration compiles written critiques
- Co-chair provides written summary of the discussion
- Feedback returned to applicant 1-2 weeks after mock study section.
Research and Discovery Grand Rounds
The Research & Discovery Grand Rounds series is a monthly presentation highlighting information, resources and advancements in clinical and translational research. Our events calendar has dates of upcoming events and the opportunity to register.
Sessions are typically presented via Zoom on the fourth Thursday of each month from 12:00-1:00PM CT, unless otherwise noted. Visit the event calendar for upcoming sessions and view recordings of past sessions via Frontiers YouTube channel.
Past Research and Grand Rounds Sessions
Presentations
Education and Training Resources
Education and Training Team
Jennifer Goldman, M.D., MSCR
Co-PI Training Core (TL1)
816-234-3061 jlgoldman@cmh.edu Link to Profile
Clinical Research Professionals (Training and Certification)
Society of Clinical Research Associates (SOCRA)
SOCRA is one of the leading professional organizations for clinical research professionals and offers the Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP) credentialing program along with continuing education. Greater Kansas City is home to a SOCRA chapter which facilitates networking and learning for the region.
Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP)
ACRP suppors clinical research professionals through membership, training and development and certifications. Greater Kansas City is home to an ACRP chapter which serves Kansas City and the surrounding area with training and community.
Clinical Trials Management (undergraduate minor)
The Bachelors degree in Health Sciences on the KU Edwards campus also offers a minor in Clinical Trials Management.
Frontiers Scholars Club
The Frontiers Scholars Club is a monthly forum where scholars have the opportunity to come together with experienced researchers to share work in progress, discuss career development, identify resources to support thier research, troubleshoot mentorship issues, learn about new research strategies, and address work-life balance. All KL2 and TL1 trainees participate in the Frontiers Scholars Club along with other early-career clinical and translational researchers.
Contact Tresza Hutcheson for more information.
Research Certificate and Degree Program
Frontiers institutions offer a variety of graduate certificate and degree programs designed to help graduate students and clinician scientists develop critical skills related to translational research, including programs in clinical research, informatics and biostatistics.
The Master of Science in Clinical Research (MS-CR) degree at the University of Kansas is a 33-credit hour program designed to help aspiring researchers and clinician scientists develop critical research-related skills in epidemiology, biostatistics, data management, research methods, scientific writing and research ethics. Students are encouraged to develop a publishable manuscript as part of thier culminating thesis.
The Master of Science in Bioinformatics at the University of Missouri-Kansas City is designed to support students interested in a career in bioinformatics, clinical research, or both. The program provides strong foundational training in clinical research skills with an emphasis on patient-oriented research and medical informatics.
The Certificate in Clinical Research at the University of Missouri-Kansas City is a 15 credit hour program that provides foundational training in clinical research and is designed to support students who either do not need or are presently unable to meet the requirements of a full master degree program.
Mentorship
This 5-session series brings trainees and mentors with lived-experienced together to discuss the creation of environments conducive to recruitment and retention, the importance of both mentorship and sponsorship, and strategies for building and empowering diverse research teams. Thanks to our colleagues in the Sunflower Pediatric Clinical Trials Network for sponsoring this program.
This easy to navigate website provides brief step-by-step guidance for both mentors and mentees as the embark on and cultivate a mentoring relationship.
Courses and Mini-Courses
This 3-credit hour course combines instruction and practical exercises to move the participant step-by-step through all stages of planning research, identifying funding sources, and writing grant applications primarily to the National Instiutes of Health (NIH). Upon completion of the course, the student will have developed a quality proposal and be able to demonstrate skills in preparing apllications. These will include developing dunable research ideas, identifying appropriate funding opportunities, developing application sections, and crafting a quality grant application. Peer-review and collaborative feedback to other class participants is a major part of the learning experience. Contact the Frontiers Training Navigator for more information.
This 2-credit hour course addresses the mechanics of how to write clearly, focusing on mechanics, structure and style. Students will practice specific strategies for writing effectively, with in-depth attention paid to how ideas are distributed through well written sentences and paragraphs. Also includess editing and revision of writing for publication and grant submission. Contact the Frontiers Training Navigator for more information.
This 3-credit hour course covers the methods of comprehensive syntheses of research evidence. Rigorous review methods will be highlighted, such as searching for potentially relevant articles; selecting primary articles using explicit, reproducible criteria; appraisal of studies; quantitative data synthese; and, interpretation. The course uses the framework provided by the GRADE Working Group to evaluate certainty of esitamtes and present and interpret evidence. The focus of the course is on systematic reviews of interventions, which typically include randomized trials and non-randomized studies that evaluate therapeutic interventions and outcomes. The process can be applied to other review topics and study designs, whcih may be mentioned but not covered in the course. Contact the Frontiers Training Navigator for more information.
The design, implementations, analysis, and assessment of controlled clinical trials. Basic biostatistical concepts and models will be emphasized. Issues of current concern to trialists will be explored. Contact the Frontiers Training Navigator for more information.
The purpose of this 1-credit hour course is to engage research trainees in reading about, considering, and discussing the responsible conduct of science. The course is designed as an option for meeting current federal regulations, which require that all NIH training grants provide training in responsible conduct of research. This course provides a concise overview of key subject areas in the responsible conduct of research. It is designed to make students aware of relevant guidelines, policies and codes relating to ethical research, as well as to provide the skills for identifying and resolving ethical conflicts that may arise in research. Contact the Frontiers Training Navigator for more information.
Implementation Science Course. This 3-credit hour introductory course addresses theoretical principles and practical applications of implementation science. Contact the Frontiers Training Navigator for more information
Training in Implementation: Actionable Research Approaches (TIARA). The 4-module, self-guided training program integrates key readings and recorded presentations to guide both researchers and clinicians interested in orgainzational imporvement through theories and pragmatic approaches to translating evidence into practice. Module 1 addresses basic definitions and principles in implementation science, Module 2 addresses theory and approaches, Module 3 covers design and analysis, and Module 4 addresses practice-based considerations.
NIH Implementiation Science Webinar Series. These Implementation Science Webinars bring together national leaders in the field to discuss advanced dissemination and implementation research topics and answer questions from the community. You can register for upcoming webinars and view archived sessions covering Implementation Science topics.
Implementation Science Core Resources. Additional information on implementation science training opportunities and individual consulations can be seen here.
This brief, 4-part introduction to Biostatistics for Clinical and Translational Researchers is offered live each summer and is a great orientation to study design and statistics for students and clinicians that are new to research.
Recordings of presentations from prior years are also available.
Small group sessions are offered each week to provide training for Frontiers investigators and KU Medical Center affiliates for our supported informatics systems REDCap (data capture) and HERON (cohort discovery and data extraction).
Innovations in Quality
Innovations in Quality (IQ) Forums. These forums bring together clinicians, community members and researchers to address criticial issues in regional healthcare and, examine and exchange ideas focused on improving the quality and value of healthcare for Kansas City. Programs are held every other month and can be attended in-person or virutally.
Register for future events or review past events at the Innovations in Quality website.
