This is an application for an administrative supplement to increase the number of diabetes investigators who can receive mentored training in dissemination and implementation (D&I) science as part of the Institute for Implementation Science Scholars, or IS-2 (R25DK123008). This application responds to: a) the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases strategic planning process, which seeks to advance D&I research to identify, adapt, scale-up, and integrate evidence-based interventions in diverse settings and populations; and b) a recent review by the American Diabetes Association, which cites the need for D&I science to address diabetes inequities. However, there are few D&I training programs and most seek to enhance D&I training in specific disease areas (e.g. cancer, heart disease, mental health). To our knowledge, there are no programs that train investigators exclusively in the D&I of diabetes research. This administrative supplement will increase the number of diabetes investigators who can receive mentored training in D&I science through IS-2, a two-year mentored program designed to train researchers in D&I science to promote health equity in the prevention and management of chronic diseases. IS-2 offers an annual 5-day course (either in person or virtual depending on public health conditions), combined with ongoing mentorship and networking with scholars and faculty to enhance D&I learning and research. IS-2 also offers an excellent opportunity to leverage resources in expanding the D&I research training and career development of diabetes investigators, promoting a talented and diverse workforce.
The specific aims of this application are to: 1) Add an additional 12 IS-2 scholars (6 per cohort in years 2 and 3), who are pursuing the D&I of diabetes research to eliminate disparities and promote health equity. To accomplish this, we will: a) Recruit a high-quality pool of early to mid-career scientists conducting diabetes research; b) Recruit 5 additional expert faculty to support the scholars pursuing the D&I of diabetes research; c) Train and match faculty mentors with these scholars to foster mentoring in D&I diabetes research; d) Train IS-2 diabetes scholars through an annual course, webinars, and networking; and e) Evaluate career progress of IS-2 diabetes scholars in D&I research. 2) Support IS-2 diabetes scholars in D&I capacity building activities at their institutions. To accomplish this, we will work with the IS-2 diabetes scholars to: a) Develop an IS-2 train-the-trainer module addressing diabetes research; and b) Disseminate the module to diabetes centers, researchers, and community partners. This administrative supplement to the IS-2 program will build a vibrant network of diabetes scholars trained in D&I science and advance the next generation of leaders in diabetes research, resulting not only in academic impact but also in real-world effects on practice and policy.
Several recent reviews have noted the need for dissemination and implementation (D&I) science to further improve the uptake, impact, and sustainability of diabetes research in real-world community and clinical settings. The Institute for Implementation Science Scholars (IS-2) provides researchers with advanced training in D&I science through a 5-day annual course, combined with ongoing mentorship over two years. This administrative supplement seeks to increase the number of diabetes investigators trained in the IS-2 program and offers an excellent opportunity to leverage resources in addressing a significant gap in D&I research training and career development needed to assure a talented and diverse diabetes research workforce.
