Center for Implementation Science - SUMMARY The overarching goal of this COBRE is to establish a multidisciplinary research program in implementation science at Dartmouth College and to provide training, expert mentorship and new scientific infrastructure to train and support a critical mass of early-stage investigators as they transition into independent investigators dedicated to advancing the field of implementation science. Implementation science is the study of methods to promote the integration of research findings and evidence into healthcare policy and practice as a critical emerging discipline in biomedical research. This multidisciplinary field combines methods from medical anthropology, healthcare and behavioral economics, intervention effectiveness and process research, improvement science, education and learning, social psychology, organization and management, and marketing. Currently, there is $3 billion annually in federal funding for implementation research. Yet, there is a critical gap in academic development opportunities for junior faculty to be trained and mentored in the implementation sciences or resources to increase their academic trajectory towards independence. Despite the escalation in funding and the unique needs of IDeA states for effective biomedical health interventions, IDeA states continue to lag in implementation research funding. Therefore, we propose to build state-of-the-art infrastructure in implementation science to accelerate biomedical research funding for implementation in the IDeA state of New Hampshire, and create systems and training opportunities for use by other IDeA states regionally and nationwide. Our proposed Center for Implementation Science, supported by Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) mechanism, will support and advance research by junior faculty, building on Dartmouth’s recognized academic and research excellence. The proposed Center will support five research project leaders and will address the following specific aims: Aim 1: To establish a multidisciplinary COBRE Center for Implementation Science; Aim 2: To implement and sustain a vibrant organization and management plan for the Center; and Aim 3: To accelerate the transition of junior faculty into NIH grant- competitive, strong? independent investigators. Impact: The proposed Center for Implementation Science will provide needed funding, new scientific resources, and mentorship to advance junior faculty into independent research careers focused on the study and application of implementation science. The initial research projects will support the development of a self-sustaining, multidisciplinary, research program in implementation science and provide a needed resource for IDeA Centers for Biomedical Research Excellence nationally to foster national collaboration and accelerate NIH funding independence.
