BBTAD Training Program
Preparation of Products of Research Experiences
By the end of the three-year BBTAD Traineeship, each trainee is expected to have completed several tangible products. This explicit expectation is intended to help Trainees recognize and meet the professional requirements that define their academic careers for many years to come: presenting research results at scientific conferences, publishing empirical papers in peer-reviewed journals, and obtaining external funding for programmatic research. Completion of these products also strengthens each trainee's curriculum vitae thereby increasing his or her chances of success in today's competitive job market.
Presentation at Scientific Conferences. Each trainee is expected to make at least three presentations at scientific conferences during the traineeship. At least two of these presentations will reflect work completed during the traineeship period, whereas the other can be based on work completed prior to coming to the program (e.g., dissertation research). The timing of the presentations and the conferences at which they are made are determined by each trainee in consultation with the Primary Mentor and Mentor Committee. Trainees are encouraged to make one of these presentations during the first year of the traineeship.
Submission of Manuscripts for Publication. Each trainee is expected to submit at least three manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed scientific periodicals during the traineeship. Again, at least two of those manuscripts will reflect research initiated during the traineeship period, whereas the other can be the culmination of work conducted prior to entering the program. All Primary Mentors work to ensure that one submission is made by the end of the trainee's first year. It should be emphasized that the Primary Mentor's responsibility extends beyond merely upholding expectations for the trainee. Primary Mentors work closely with Trainees in manuscript preparation (e.g., read and provide feedback on drafts that the Trainees have prepared). In addition, Trainees are required to share drafts of their manuscripts with two other Trainees. This ensures that a trainee can benefit from the diverse perspectives and experiences of the other Trainees, and it helps to foster a sense of community among the Trainees. Trainees are also encouraged to pursue opportunities to author or coauthor chapters, although empirical articles in journals are the top priority.
Draft of an NIH Research Grant. By the end of the traineeship period, each trainee prepares a polished (although not necessarily final) draft of a research grant application to submit to NIH. In most cases, this is an application for an R03 small grant for Ph.D. Trainees or a K-award for M.D. Trainees. The draft is expected to be comprehensive and include everything from budget to a description of the proposed research. We feel that this is an important requirement for three reasons. First, it instills in Trainees the belief that obtaining external research funds is an expected part of their academic life and that it is, in fact, achievable. Second, it familiarizes the Trainees with the mechanics of the grant application and review process. Third, and perhaps most importantly, it helps Trainees to become programmatic in their thinking about, and approach to, research.
Importantly, Trainees are not left alone to flounder during the grant application process. They work closely with their Primary Mentors and mentor committees, who provide excellent models of successful grants-personship. Primary Mentors offer advice during planning and read early drafts of the application. Grant preparation and the grant application process are covered in program seminars.
