Fostering Institutional Resources for Science Transformation: The FLORIDA-FIRST Health-science Brigade

PROJECT SUMMARY We will apply a systems-theory approach that leverages participatory techniques, archival data, and sustainable infrastructure to establish, monitor, and report on The FLORIDA-FIRST BRIGADE. Traditional system-theory approaches with cutting-edge participatory approaches and common element themes in concert

with the Coordination and Evaluation Center (CEC) to collect data that benefits the participants in The FLORIDA-FIRST BRIGADE, informs the FSU community, and leads to a more diverse and productive scientific community. The purpose of the evaluation will be to carry out an innovative formative (process) and summative

(outcome) approaches to monitoring and reporting on the FLORIDA-FIRST BRIGADE. Recent research on the evaluation of collaborative health-science centers finds that for (1) an evaluation to be successful, all stakeholders must have significant engagement, participation, and commitment to the evaluation; (2) include a

comprehensive logic model; and (3) include participation of the evaluator in leadership and core meetings to facilitate continuous feedback. The Evaluation Core will meet these recommendations and be responsible for monitoring inputs, resources, and activities; identifying implementation difficulties; and assessing the

effectiveness of function activities in attaining the specific aims of the FLORIDA-FIRST BRIGADE. The evaluation will focus on assessing the implementation of short- and long-term goals while providing quarterly rapid cycle evaluations to maximize growth opportunities during the funding period. The evaluation will

document program integrity, monitor progress, and provide feedback to The FLORIDA-FIRST BRIGADE leadership and the CEC. The Overall, Administrative, and Faculty Cores each have specific aims and stated timelines to meet these aims. The evaluation will continuously evaluate progress towards meeting these aims

and provide program leadership with timely assessments to support quality improvement and programmatic change. The Evaluation Core will focus on assessing three specific aims: Aim 1. Assess the quality and impact of changes to the tenure and promotion process for 6 UMR faculty (FIRST Cohort) in research centers and/or laboratories instead of traditional academic departments.

Aim 2. Assess the level or coordination and collaboration among the Office of Human Resources and the Office of Faculty Development and Advancement, associated with addressing diversity, equity, inclusion, and retention for The FIRST Cohort. Aim 3. Assess the process and outcomes associated with the integrated individual research and career

development, and mentoring plans for The FIRST Cohort.