Clinical Research Scholars Program (CRSP)

Goals & Objectives

The goal of the program is to enable each Clinical Research Scholar to successfully compete for clinical research funding. The specific objectives for the program are to:

• Provide Scholars with an enriched academic environment that will enhance the development of their clinical research.
• Provide instruction in practical research skills to Clinical Research Scholars.
• Assist Scholars in identifying and accessing research-related resources.
• Support the development of a research proposal which is submitted to an appropriate funding agency.

Scholars are expected to participate fully in the program by attending program sessions, contributing to discussions, and completing assignments. Scholars will be asked to give presentations and regular updates on their research projects. They will also be asked to provide appropriate suggestions, constructive criticism, and feedback to fellow Scholars. Scholars will be asked to meet regularly with their research mentors or advisors.

Eligibility

All junior faculty who are interested in a clinical/translational research career are encouraged to apply.  Selection of a Clinical Research Scholar is based on the Selection Committee’s review of the candidate’s materials. They may also elect to interview the candidate.

Required Materials

• A letter of nomination from the departmental chair. This letter must also provide assurances that the candidate will have a minimum of 20% protected time for clinical research activities, although 40% protected time is recommended.
• A letter of support from a mentor or a senior colleague who agrees to provide guidance on the candidate’s research project.
• A current curriculum vitae in the MCW format or equivalent format.
• A completed Clinical Research Scholars Application which includes a brief (1-2 page) description of the clinical research project that the candidate will develop and conduct.

When selected for the program Clinical Research Scholars are required to:

• Attend twice monthly training seminars (September – June, 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month from 8-10 am).
• Demonstrate research-related core competencies in research methods.
• Complete the MCW Human Research Protection Certification Program (CITI or equivalent) if not already completed.
• Complete additional individualized curriculum components.
• Meet regularly with a program advisor and with research mentors.
• Develop a clinical research proposal and submit the proposal to an external funding agency by the end of the 2-year curriculum.
• Participate/present at the CTSI’s Translational Research seminars.

In addition, Scholars are encouraged to:

• Submit a protocol to the appropriate CTSI Translational Research Unit (TRU).
• Attend research related conferences or training courses.
• Present work-in-progress in an established research forum or seminar series.
• Develop basic research skills by taking appropriate academic course work through the MCW Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.

Selection Criteria

Junior faculty, who are committed to academic careers and to clinical research, are encouraged to apply. Decisions to accept candidates are made on the basis of the candidate’s interest in clinical research, the candidate’s statement of commitment to participating in the program, and assurances that the candidate will have protected time to engage in research.

Advisory and Selection Committee

The role of the Advisory and Selection Committee of the Clinical Research Scholars Program is to provide 1) oversight of the program and curriculum 2) advice on the selection of scholars, and 3) regular evaluations of the program with guidance on the integration of the Program with other CTSI resources.

Curriculum

The Clinical Research Scholars Program is a didactic program of the theory and methods of clinical research integrated with instruction in practical research skills. At each CRSP bimonthly meeting one hour will be devoted to the didactic curriculum. At the culmination of the program, scholars will have a wide range of theoretical, methodological, and practical experiences in the conduct of clinical research.

The Clinical Research Scholars Program uses a guided apprenticeship model to help Clinical Research Scholars develop research skills. Twice monthly seminars held over a two-year period allow the Scholars to use their own research projects, and those of the other Scholars, as vehicles for learning. Experienced clinical investigators serve as facilitators for the seminars. Meeting together in small groups to discuss these research projects allows the Scholars to serve as colleagues and advisors for one another. Outside of seminars, each Scholar works closely with an experienced mentor who provides individualized, project specific guidance. The progress of each Scholar is carefully monitored, and the program is continuously evaluated by each scholar.

Additionally, scholars are encouraged to participate in the Clinical and Translational Science Program whereby they can earn a Master of Science from the Medical College of Wisconsin.

How to Apply

CTSI Announces the 2023 RFA for the Clinical Research Scholars Program for junior faculty committed to pursuing careers in academic medicine as independently funded, clinical and translational investigators.

• Application Opens: November 1, 2022
• Application Deadline: April 30, 2023
• Program Start Date: September 12, 2023

Application Instructions

Background

The Clinical Research Scholars Program is a major initiative in the Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) to assist junior faculty in developing their research careers. With over twenty years of experience in training junior faculty in critical competencies for successful research careers, the Clinical Research Scholars Program has been successful in helping our graduates achieve external funding, establish strong publication records and receive national recognition. Our program emphasizes the following skills: grantsmanship, ethical conduct in research, research study design, grant management, research career development, and effective scientific communication via abstracts, manuscripts, and presentations.

Program Requirements

Clinical Research Scholars are required to:

All junior faculty at CTSI partnering institutions, who are seeking to pursue careers in clinical/translational research, are encouraged to apply. Candidates must have a letter of support from their departmental chair guaranteeing a minimum of 20% (40% is recommended) protected time for research activities. Each candidate must have a research mentor and a clinical/translational research project to be developed into a grant proposal during the program. After receipt of all of the application materials, the CRSP Selection Committee will review the candidate’s material. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.  Acceptance into the program is made on a competitive basis. Decisions to accept candidates are made on the basis of the 1) candidate’s interest and commitment to a research career, 2) assurances that the candidate will have sufficient protected time to engage in research-related activities, and 3) quality and feasibility of the proposed clinical project.

Please complete the entire application. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

Application Deadline

Applications are due by April 30, 2023. Program begins September 12, 2023.

All applications must be received electronically through linked forms. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact us at the phone number or email below.

Kristin Nord
Project Coordinator
Clinical & Translational Science Institute
Medical College of Wisconsin
8701 Watertown Plank Road, Suite M1350
Milwaukee, WI 53226 | knord@mcw.edu