NJ ACTS: A Platform for Translational Science in New Jersey: CTSA Predoctoral T32 at Rutgers, Biomedical Health Sciences

The overarching goal of this T32 Predoctoral Training Program is to prepare future generations of translational researchers to leverage the principles of translational science to identify, effectively disseminate, and implement new approaches to address current health challenges. The objective of this training program is to build upon the rich history of collaborative research and education among our alliance universities to develop a personalized “precision” training program that instills in our early career biomedical researchers the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to effectively translate the information gleaned in the laboratory, clinic, and community to real-world advances that improve health. All NJ ACTS Elements, Modules, and Workgroups will provide services and platforms for training our T32 trainees and facilitate their nimble access to content and method experts in a breadth of disciplines, including team science, informatics, biomarker discovery, community engagement, health policy. Uniquely, ASCENT transcends the curriculum encountered in traditional predoctoral programs by focusing on the knowledge and expertise needed to conduct translational team research across disciplines while building social and leadership skills. Our Specific Aims are to: 1) Develop the accessible and flexible ASCENT program with a focus on the precision training of predoctoral translational researchers in the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to efficiently and effectively advance the diagnosis and treatment of disease, modify behavior to prevent or reduce the impact of disease, and assure equity in the research of disease and the access to healthcare; 2) Identify and recruit a cadre of outstanding translational research and translational science faculty to act as Preceptors and instructors for our trainees and assure that they have appropriate skills to be effective mentors for trainees with diverse scientific interest and backgrounds, both during their time in the ASCENT program and as they transition to the next step of their research careers; 3) Recruit and retain a diverse and exceptional cohort of trainees, committed to a career in translational research and provide personalized training in the principles underlying each step along the spectrum of translational research so they will complete the program with the knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as the key characteristics, of a translational scientist; 4) Promote and assure a safe and inclusive learning environment, where each trainee is respected as an individual, their learning is tailored to their previous and current research interest, career aspirations, and personal situations, and where they recognize their role as scientists to conduct and present their research with integrity, respect, clarity and transparency for the good of society; and 5) Provide strong leadership, support and oversight, with comprehensive evaluation and assessment of the faculty, students and programmatic activities, to assure that the ASCENT program fulfills the mission and expectations of NCATs, the CTSA and NJ ACTS.