Jason Blackard, PhD, a workforce development specialist, recently presented to medical students and faculty at Madha Medical College and Research Institute in Chennai, India, outlining a program designed to bolster research skills. The presentation focused on the “Research 101” series developed by the CCTST Workforce Development team, aiming to equip trainees with foundational knowledge for conducting effective research.
The Research 101 modules cover a broad spectrum of research-related topics, beginning with an introduction to the research process itself and guidance on aligning expectations within a research environment. A key component addresses the crucial step of identifying and cultivating relationships with research mentors and defining viable research projects. The series also delves into the technical aspects of study design and data analysis, providing trainees with practical skills for conducting rigorous investigations.
Recognizing the importance of ethical considerations, Research 101 includes specific modules dedicated to navigating the Institutional Review Board (IRB) protocol submission process. The IRB, as defined by research ethics committees globally, is responsible for reviewing and approving research involving human subjects, prioritizing the rights and welfare of participants. The program also provides instruction on conducting thorough literature searches and understanding the principles of human subjects research and protections.
Beyond the core research process, the series extends to encompass essential skills for disseminating findings. Modules are dedicated to effectively presenting research, understanding the principles of team science, and ensuring transparency, rigor, and reproducibility in research practices. Participants also receive guidance on evaluating existing literature, leading journal clubs, and mastering the art of effective scientific writing for publication. The program concludes with an introduction to the fundamentals of National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant applications.
The modules are offered asynchronously and free of charge, allowing learners to progress at their own pace. Interested individuals can register by contacting Anna Johns at Anna.Johns@uc.edu. Dr. Blackard’s operate, as detailed on his ORCID profile (0000-0003-2876-3811), focuses on translational research, specifically investigating virus-virus and virus-host interactions. He received his PhD from Harvard University in 2000 and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital.
