PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
We propose an innovative T32 postdoctoral training program, Equitable TRanslational science to
Accelerate Impact of New innovations (E-TRAIN) T32, for the Northwestern University Clinical and
Translational Sciences (NUCATS) Institute. This 2-year program will catalyze the careers of postdoctoral
scientists, expanding their domain expertise through mentored research, and develop foundational skills in
cross-disciplinary team science to accelerate development, validation, and dissemination of new health
innovations. Inclusive excellence is applied as a foundation of professional behaviors and management skills.
Emphasizing equitable and anti-racist study design will support human-centered design, dissemination, and
translation. Trainees will apply study design principles for inclusive and generalizable research, aligned with
the National Center for Advancing Translational Science goal of “bringing more treatments to all people more
quickly” by reducing clinical and translational science (CTS) barriers. E-TRAIN will emphasize strategies to
advance biomedical innovations from discovery to implementation to long-term sustainability, with an
objective to drive rapid, scalable, and sustainable translation from laboratory to clinical and community
settings. Interdisciplinary co-mentoring and coaching will engage faculty from across Northwestern University
and its clinical affiliates, providing an unparalleled experience in transdisciplinary team science. We will
emphasize the development of strong communication skills to engage and inform academic, industry, and
community audiences through interactive, experiential learning formats. Trainees will thus build foundational
skills for future leadership in academia, industry, and communities, enriching the CTS workforce.
Key E-TRAIN program elements are a) trainee-centric, holistic career development tools and supports;
b) a novel co-mentoring approach that integrates implementation science at all stages of translational
research; and c) multi-modal seminars and activities to attain essential knowledge, skills and abilities across
the translational science spectrum. A strong emphasis on work-life integration, wellness, and development of
reflective practices promotes resilience and retention in translational research. The program leaders have
strong track records in education and mentoring as well as complementary skill sets spanning pre-clinical
development to implementation science.