91´óÉñ

We help investigators create impactful programs and gain sustained, independent external funding. We provide connections and resources to make it easier to initiate and conduct meaningful pediatric research. Key activities and programs include:

Investigator Support

• Mentored Research Development Awards (MRDAs)Ìýwith protected time and mentoring to develop and submit competitive grant applications.Ìý
• Purchase equipment or database accessÌýthrough our program for faculty starting new research (FASTAR).
• Junior Investigators Network (JIN)Ìýto facilitate peer mentoring and collaboration among early career researchers.Ìý
• Pathways to SuccessÌýprograms that include self-guided tools and short-term coaching for guidance on processes and procedures.Ìý
• Networking and mentoring opportunitiesÌýthrough peer subgroups within JIN, tailored to specific research interests.
• Programs to enhanceÌýgrant writing skills, provide proposal reviews and strengthen competitiveness.
• Editorial servicesÌýto support the preparation and submission of presentations and manuscripts.

Training & Mentoring

• Mentor trainingÌýbased on evidenced-based approaches from the Center for Improvement of Mentored Experiences in Research best practices.Ìý
• Focus on supporting diversity, equity and inclusionÌýmentoring and professional development activities.Ìý
• Undergraduate and graduate research programsÌýthat build on decades of experience.
• Research connectionsÌýfor graduate students and medical trainees.Ìý

Collaborations

We establish collaboration with other IDeA programsÌýto synergistically support translational, preclinical, and clinical research.

Core Funding Programs

In the Delaware Valley, faculty development is supported through three major external grants.Ìý

Ìý| Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) — A program supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Purpose: To advance multisite pediatric clinical research across IDeA states to improve child health outcomes.

| Accelerating Clinical and Translational ResearchÌý

Purpose: To support development of clinical and translational researchers through mentorship and resources.

Ìý| Delaware's Biomedical Research Catalyst

Purpose: To building research capacity and foster collaboration across Delaware institutions.Ìý

External Partners

Moving beyond our walls, we collaborate with scientific leaders from other institutions. This expands our reach and advances innovation for the collective good of children everywhere. We currently work with:

• ChristianaCare, Wilmington, Del. and
• Delaware State University, Dover, Del. Ìýand
• University of Delaware, Newark, Del. and

Our program has demonstrable impacts on grant acquisition and research productivity. In fact, we have helped:

• Provide 43 Mentored Research Development Awards (MRDA) to 39 scholars.Ìý
• Increase the number of practicing 91´óÉñ Children's Clinicians receiving pilot grant funding. For example, in the first 15 years of the INBRE pilot program in Delaware, only one 91´óÉñ clinician received an award. Since 2019, there have been eight more.
• Gain high satisfaction ratings for activities and resources based on surveys and focus groups. Over 90% find offerings having a positive impact on careers and research development.
• Institutionalize successful programs and approaches at 91´óÉñ.
• Support publications and presentations from investigators.
• Assist investigators to gain independence and independent NIH funding.
• Submit grants as principal investigators (PI) or co-PI on collaborative team science projects by former MRDA scholars. .Ìý
• Mentor and develop MRDA scholars, helping them become mentors themselves.
• Assist in attaining leadership roles including participating in NIH study sections.

Pediatric clinical trials and research studies are important for advancing medical knowledge and improving care for kids around the world. Our researchers lead clinical research to study new drugs, treatments, devices and techniques. We also contribute to national registries and collaboratives to further research in this area. Find a clinical trial or study now.