PROGRAM SUPPORT AND EXPECTATIONS
Program support and expectations
For general inquiries about the program support and expectations, please contact:
- Brad Williams, MPH
- 1 (804) 828-0819
- williamb12@vcu.edu
Support
Awardees receive:
- Salary support for 75 percent protected time for two years
- Up to $25,000 a year for research expenses
- Scholars' primary mentor at VCU receives a $5,000 allowance per year
Expectations
Each K12 Scholar is required to meet with the Wright Center K12 leadership twice a year to discuss program progress and goals for the coming year, which include research questions, publications, grant applications and leadership. These meetings are scheduled in the spring and fall, and mentors are required to attend at least one.
Each K12 Scholar is required to assess their clinical and translational skills development yearly. The skills self-assessment is due every January. The skills assessment and subsequent reflection will support the drafting and updating of an Individual Development Plan (IDP) that each scholar is required to maintain. Scholars are expected to maintain and use their IDPs at the biannual review meeting with K12 leadership. IDPs must be reviewed and signed by a primary mentor.
Scholars are required to complete the following set of courses to ensure that they gain a core set of competencies.
| Course number | Title of course | Credit hours |
|---|---|---|
| CCTR 520 | Fundamentals of Research Regulation | 2 credits |
| CCTR 630 | Design Implications in Clinical Trials | 3 credits |
| CCTR 640 | Team Science | 2 credits |
| CCTR 690 | Research Seminars in Clinical and Translational Science | 1 credit |
|
OVPR 601 OVPR 602 OVPR 603 |
*Scientific Integrity *Responsible Scientific Conduct *Responsible Conduct of Research |
1 credit |
| Total: | 9 credits |
*choose one of three
Scholars are also encouraged to enroll in a long or short biostatistics course allowing them to gain competency in statistical analysis, as well effective collaboration with a biostatistician on their team.
Scholar are required to attend the following conferences at least once during their award:
- The annual Association for Clinical and Translational Science (ACTS) meeting, held in Washington, D.C. K12 Scholars are required to attend this translational science meeting at least once during the award. In addition to attending, scholars must submit an abstract for consideration.
- The Virginia Clinical Research Conference, is usually held in the spring.
- The VCU Community Engagement Institute, is usually held in the spring.
Scholars are required to participate in the following workshops and learning opportunities at least once during their award:
- The Wright Center Grant Writing Seminar Series and the VCU Grants Academy. Scholars will gain the necessary competencies in grant writing to submit competitive grant proposals.
- Scholar as Reviewer. Scholars will participate as a reviewer in the Wright Center mock study section program.
- Mentorship Academy. Scholars will gain the skills needed to be effective mentors and mentees.
- Online CITI Training
Presentations not only support gaining competence in communicating about science, but it increases the exposure of scholars’ research.
- Discovery Dialogue Series: At least once during their appointment, K12 Scholars must present their research to a differentiated audience.
- Research-in-progress presentation to the K12 Oversight Committee: Once a year, K12 Scholars present their progress, research and career trajectory to the K12 Oversight Committee. Mentors are encouraged to attend. Scholars will be assessed and provided feedback to incorporate into their yearly Individual Development Plan.
- Wright Center Presentations: Once during their final year of the K12 award, scholars will present their research progress to the broader Wright Center community, which includes Wright Center leadership, the Operations Committee and other key personnel.
- Scholar Exchange: Scholars will present their research to a partner CTSA hub as part of the K12 Visiting Scholar Series at least once during the award.
Scholars are encouraged to participate in recommended learning opportunities to gain all of the clinical and translational science competencies needed for a successful career. Some examples include IRB rotation, seminars on scientific communication and seminars in how to engage in and publish high-impact research.
Obtaining extramural grant funding to support a scholar’s research career is essential. It is also an evaluation metric for programmatic success. Wright Center requires each K12 Scholar to submit a grant application to the NIH by the end of year one or the beginning of year two. Intramural and other smaller external funding opportunities are encouraged as well. To this end, participation in the Wright Center mock study section program prior to grant submission is mandatory.
RPPR is used by grantees to submit progress reports to NIH on their grant awards. An annual RPPR is a required document for NIH grantees. Both scholars and mentors complete the report, which they will submit to the NIH on March 1. Templates are shared with scholars and mentors at the beginning of January each reporting year and are due back to the faculty professional development manager by mid-February.
Scholars are expected to complete a series of surveys and assessments along with participating in a programmatic exit interview with K12 leadership. Scholars must also provide an updated biosketch. Additionally, scholars will be contacted annually by the Wright Center to provide an update on professional achievements (e.g. publications, grant support, etc).
K12 Scholars are expected to cite the Wright Center's K12 grant (K12TR004364) during their award period and comply with NIH Public Access Policy in submitting their publications. Read more here.