We will select two physician-scientist scholars per year (total 10 scholars over the 5-year SIREN grant), with a target of ≥ 1 scholar per site across all OHSU Hub network sites. Eligible scholars include fellows and faculty at the Clinical Instructor or Assistant Professor level from any discipline involved in emergency care research. Training duration will be two years per scholar.

The goal is to have at least one scholar from each of the OHSU Network sites over the 5-year period. Each site will conduct their own internal review and selection process for scholars (including the OHSU Hub). This process will assure that sites are weighing the potential for scientific success among their own fellows and faculty, and that they are putting forth their best candidate(s) for the program. Programs will need to coordinate the timing of candidates with the TAC to fill 10 scholar positions over the 5-year period (the final year for the final 2 scholars will be a planned 6^th no-cost extension year). Timing for integration to the program could be coordinated as part of a career development grant (e.g., K23, K08, or national foundation career development award). Final scholar selection and timing of entry to the program will be handled by the TAC, Dr. Newgard, and Ms. Cook. 

For internally-selected candidates, the scholar CV and cover letter should be sent to Dr. Newgard and Ms. Cook, who will do the initial screening and videoconference interview. Promising candidates will be asked to complete a full application (see separate 1-page document for details). The TAC will review and score all applications to determine final scholars and their timing of entry to the program.

The training plan for each scholar should include:

1. A 2-year formal research didactic training plan, including coursework, seminars, and supplemental research-focused activities.
2. A research project led by the scholar (2-3 aims) that can be completed within 24 months and provide pilot data for a K or R application.
3. Multidisciplinary research team. The primary research mentor should have a track record of R01 or equivalent funding and demonstrated success in mentoring post-doctoral trainees. Additional mentors may fill the roles of providing career guidance, content expertise, methods mentorship, or others as appropriate. At least one mentor must be directly involved in SIREN trials at their site.
4. Plan for integrating the scholar into SIREN activities at their site.
5. Methods to promote diversity, which may include:
   1. Scholar diversity, particularly women and under-represented minorities in science;
   2. Mentor diversity;
   3. Diversity of study subjects;
   4. Existing diversity programs at the applicant’s site to integrate diverse students, residents, fellows, and/or faculty to the research team.

The specific components of the application are detailed in a separate 1-page document.

Listed below are productivity standards and benchmarks for SIREN Scholars.

Research Timeline

3 months

Confirm submission of IACUC, IRB, and other required regulatory applications (this should occur before initiation of the scholar training period); implementation of the primary research project. Career development plan and coursework underway.

6 months

Initiation of primary research project, planning for K or R application, including development of draft aims and plan for generating preliminary data to support the application.

12 months

Abstract submission from primary research project. Draft aims for K or R application. Work with mentors on plan and timeline for writing K/R application. Annual scholar progress report submission to OHSU, including progress on career development plan, coursework, abstracts/manuscripts, and K/R application planning.

18 months

Manuscript submission(s). Submission of federal K or R research grant.

24 months

Completion of primary project and additional manuscript submissions.

Final scholar report submission to OHSU. Prepare ideas for additional grant applications and subsequent research projects. Review scores and comments from K/R grant (if available) with mentors and TAC. Plan responses and resubmission. Completion of coursework and Master’s program. Plan for next research steps.

Training duration will be two years per scholar, with a total research budget of $25,000 per scholar to be spent over 2 years. Because the award is not large enough to cover sufficient scholar FTE, the primary department is expected to provide at least 50% protected time for research and training (e.g., through departmental funding or other training awards) and resources to maximize scholar success. Each scholar will remain at their home institution, with primary mentorship provided at their site. Additional mentors can be internal or external. To have a scholar, the site must actively participate in a SIREN trial and integrate the scholar into the trial at their site. Engagement with local CTSA resources and training opportunities is strongly encouraged. The Hub will provide administrative services, facilitate integration of scholars into SIREN workgroups and activities, coordinate inter-site training opportunities and collaboration, and programmatic oversight.

The training program will be directed and administered by Dr. Craig Newgard (OHSU), with input and oversight by a Training Advisory Council (TAC). The TAC will consist of one SIREN investigator (PI or Co-Investigator) at each site. Dr. Newgard will be responsible for the overall administration of the program, day-to-day operations, budgetary requirements, oversight of scholar progress, resolving challenges, and integrating scholars into SIREN. Ms. Jennifer Cook (OHSU) will be the Program Administrator. The TAC will meet semi-annually by video conference (more frequently as needed) to review scholar progress, guide scholar selection, review and critique scholar CDA grant proposals (including feedback to scholars), assess mentoring, identify obstacles, and assist with challenges and barriers.

We will measure scholar and programmatic success using the following measures: scholar grant submissions and subsequent funding (especially individual K and R awards); peer-reviewed publications and abstracts; scholar appointments to academic and national leadership positions; scholar awards; integration of scholars to the SIREN network and clinical trials; and the number of scholars and mentors from underrepresented groups.