A Federation Approach for the Professional Development of MOSAIC Scholarsin the Biological and Biomedical Sciences - The Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB) proposes a MOSAIC program that will provide early-career scholars in biological and biomedical research with professional skills needed to establish a successful independent research career, coupled with mentoring, cohort support, network development, and the fostering of resilience. This support will increase scholar retention in academic research and lead to advancements in health research outcomes. FASEB has deep organizational experience in providing support to early-career researchers. The project’s goals are to prepare five cohorts of early-career researchers (postdocs progressing to independent faculty) in research team management and provide support through training, mentoring, and networking, leading to the MOSAIC scholars’ ability to persist in career advancement while maintaining well-being through near-peer support. Specific aims are to (1) develop research management skill sets among postdoctoral and early-career faculty researchers by leveraging FASEB’s deep network of experts and mentors across scientific societies, as evidenced by scholar capabilities in setting up a lab and progressing in research; (2) develop resilience in postdoctoral and early-career faculty researchers through competence, performance, and self-efficacy, as evidenced by increased scholar confidence to overcome challenges and achieve stage-appropriate research career progression both institutionally and through professional service; and (3) create sustaining support systems that involve skills development, peer support, and community as evidenced by scholar perceptions of the value of such support in helping them persist in their career pathway while maintaining resilience and well-being. FASEB’s MOSAIC program will implement a professional development series that covers skill sets important for facilitating scholar career progression. The series covers foundational skills, professional skills, effective grant writing, and academic career planning over four years. Resilience and self-efficacy will be fostered via moderated discussions and virtual support spaces. In a multi-mentor model, the scholars will be matched with a mentor identified through FASEB’s extensive network to complement the mentoring they receive through their home institutions. Mentoring will cover career issues, professional management, and work-life balance and will foster the development of professional networks. Additional activities include financial support for conference attendance; engagement of leaders at the scholars’ home institutions to align efforts; an online cohort support forum; and opportunities to participate in networking, hone scientific communication skills, prepare for leadership roles in scientific societies, and interact with FASEB committees.
