PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
Training the next generation of translational scientists to transform discoveries into benefits for clinical care
will require a strong research foundation adjoined to pioneering training in innovation and entrepreneurship.
Here, we propose a new T32 Postdoctoral Training Program, the Health Sciences Innovation and
Entrepreneurship (HSIE) Training Program, which is designed as an innovative learning solution to speed
the process of turning observations in the laboratory into clinical interventions to improve the health of
individuals and the public. The two-year, multi-disciplinary HSIE Training Program will offer traditional
department-based research training and deep disciplinary knowledge to trainees in the Colleges of Medicine,
Nursing, Pharmacy and Public Health at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Basic skills of
entrepreneurship also will be taught to postdoctoral trainees, who exhibit a passion for transforming health
science discoveries into new diagnostics, medications, medical devices, and telemedicine products. Seventy-
nine of the most innovative clinical and translational scientists across our campus will serve on coaching teams
with primary research mentors and entrepreneurship advisors from the Arkansas business community to
formulate individual development plans with trainees that will harmonize with their career goals. Trainees will
earn a 15-credit Graduate Certificate in Health Science Innovation and Entrepreneurship that will provide
individualized experiences tailored to their career interests including industry internships, shadowing of
entrepreneurs, and other opportunities to cross boundaries. The HSIE Training Program will sponsor a 2-credit
cross-CTSA seminar series, “Health Science Entrepreneurs: Innovators of Health Care”, which will offer
postdocs the opportunity to interact with national entrepreneurs, learn about varied career paths within the
translational science spectrum, and increase entrepreneurial activity across CTSA hubs by heightening
awareness of the steps required to translate new technologies and concepts through commercialization into
improved health care. Three 3-credit courses will be offered to trainees by the nationally ranked Graduate
Entrepreneurship Program in the Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas flagship campus in
Fayetteville. After learning business principles, a Capstone Project is a gateway for teams of interdisciplinary
trainees to gain skills in communication, systems thinking, and process innovation while they develop a
business plan for translating a research discovery into a health care product or service. The HSIE Training
Program is an exciting opportunity that directly addresses the NRSA program objective of the National Center
for Advancing Translational Scientists (NCATS) to equip trainees with the knowledge, skills and abilities to
advance diagnostics, therapeutics, clinical interventions and behavioral modifications that improve health.