A training program at Cornell University is proposed through the Broadened Experiences in Scientific Training, or BEST program. Existing and entering Pre- and Postdoctoral Scientists will be recruited to the program and will be assigned a mutually agreeable BEST mentor who will meet with students regularly and help them navigate the program. Students will select among four pathways of potential scientific careers that include Science Communication, Governance, Risk and Compliance, Science Policy, and Industry, Entrepreneurship and Management. Trainees will be able to opt for a single pathway (through workshops, externships and/or internships) or sample each of the pathways on a more superficial level (primarily through lectures). To encourage participation, points will be assigned for participation in each experience and an attestation certificate will be awarded to trainees tha obtain sufficient points. Evaluation of the program will be extensive during and after the five yea period, with a goal to increase program effectiveness initially, and to gauge the effect on the scientific careers of the trainees in the long and medium terms. The program benefits from substantial support of the Cornell community with enthusiastic support from Government and Industrial partners.

Public Health Relevance

This application describes a training plan designed to expand the employment options for PhD trainees and scientists. This will positively impact the biomedical workforce and, in turn, the future of human health.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
Office of The Director, National Institutes of Health (OD)
Type
NIH Director’s Workforce Innovation Award (DP7)
Project #
5DP7OD018425-02
Application #
8738002
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel ()
Program Officer
Labosky, Patricia
Project Start
2013-09-20
Project End
2018-08-31
Budget Start
2014-09-01
Budget End
2015-08-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2014
Total Cost
$370,066
Indirect Cost
$131,314
Name
Cornell University
Department
Type
Schools of Veterinary Medicine
DUNS #
872612445
City
Ithaca
State
NY
Country
United States
Zip Code
14850
Meyers, Frederick J; Mathur, Ambika; Fuhrmann, Cynthia N et al. (2016) The origin and implementation of the Broadening Experiences in Scientific Training programs: an NIH common fund initiative. FASEB J 30:507-14