Mentored Education for Dissemination and Implementation Science IS2 Program

Abstract 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.