The hidden curriculum refers to the implicit norms and behaviors in academic environments that can particularly disadvantage scholars from backgrounds underrepresented in the scientific workforce (URSW). Critically, scientific mentors can support URSW mentees by making the hidden curriculum explicit to help these scholars navigate academia more effectively. However, mentors often lack the lived experience or training necessary to understand and fully address relevant hidden curriculum challenges.

We developed a set of 16 hidden curriculum competencies specifically for scientific mentors working with URSW mentees. A survey was conducted among diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility experts in translational science to assess the perceived importance of each competency. Their feedback was used to refine the final competencies, from which a conceptual framework was developed.

Survey results (n = 62) showed broad agreement on the competencies’ critical importance for mentoring across diversity, with several competencies, including identifying unconscious biases, acting as allies, and demystifying career pathways, receiving over 90% agreement for their importance for mentoring URSW mentees. Respondents from URSW backgrounds placed greater emphasis (p < 0.05) on several competencies, including understanding mentee perspectives, expanding professional networks, and allyship.

The 16 competencies, grouped into four domains (Foundation, Career, Science, and Overcoming Bias), collectively offer a comprehensive approach for mentors to build trust, support mentee career development, overcome practical barriers to mentee engagement in research, and actively combat bias. Our conceptual framework offers structured guidance for mentors and mentor training programs, identifying the skills needed to foster inclusive academic environments and enhance URSW retention and success.

Our overall goal was to enhance the usability and interactivity of the RE-AIM website (re-aim.org) and improve resources to support the application of the RE-AIM framework within the context of dissemination & implementation (D&I) research and practice.

We applied a mixed-methods approach to obtain user feedback from 24 D&I researchers and practitioners. Usability (System Usability Scale) and interactivity (Interactivity Scale) were assessed through validated surveys, at baseline and after two iterative rounds of website modifications (Phase 1 and Phase 2). We also conducted qualitative assessments at each phase.

Qualitative baseline and Phase 1 findings indicated a need to simplify organization, enhance information accessibility, provide concrete guidance on applying RE-AIM, and clarify contextual factors related to RE-AIM constructs. After streamlining website and homepage organization, Phase 2 qualitative results suggested improved user navigation experience; users also requested greater interactivity. Modifications included: new interactive planning tool and a video introduction of contextual factors influencing RE-AIM outcomes. Significant improvements were found in the SUS score from baseline to Phase 1(64.2[SD18.7] to 80.8 [SD 12.1] (p < .05) and remained higher in Phase 2(77.1[SD 15] (p = 0.08). Interactivity also improved from baseline to Phase 2(3.5[SD1.2] to 41[0.9], though not statistically significant.

User-centered feedback on online resources, as exemplified by this use case example of enhancements to the RE-AIM website, are important in bridging the gap between research and practice, and the revised website should be more accessible and useful to users.

The glomerular filtration rate (GFR), estimated from serum creatinine (SCr), is widely used in clinical practice for kidney function assessment, but SCr-based equations are limited by non-GFR determinants and may introduce inaccuracies across racial groups. Few studies have evaluated whether advanced modeling techniques enhance their performance.

Using multivariable fractional polynomials (MFP), generalized additive models (GAM), random forests (RF), and gradient boosted machines (GBM), we developed four SCr-based GFR-estimating equations in a pooled data set from four cohorts (n = 4665). Their performance was compared to that of the refitted linear regression-based 2021 CKD-EPI SCr equation using bias (median difference between measured GFR [mGFR] and estimated GFR [eGFR]), precision, and accuracy metrics (e.g., P10 and P30, percentage of eGFR within 10% and 30% of mGFR, respectively) in a pooled validation data set from three additional cohorts (n = 2215).

In the validation data set, the greatest bias and lowest accuracy, were observed in Black individuals for all equations across subgroups defined by race, sex, age, and eGFR. The MFP and GAM equations performed similarly to the refitted CKD-EPI SCr equation, with slight improvements in P10 and P30 in subgroups including Black individuals and females. The GBM and RF equations demonstrated smaller biases, but lower accuracy compared to other equations. Generally, differences among equations were modest overall and across subgroups.

Our findings suggest that advanced methods provide limited improvement in SCr-based GFR estimation. Future research should focus on integrating novel biomarkers for GFR estimation and improving the feasibility of GFR measurement.

To understand participant perspectives on an effective, practical, comprehensive telehealth intervention for persistently poorly controlled diabetes mellitus and examine how its components contributed to improved outcomes, with the goal of informing broader telehealth-based diabetes management strategies.

We conducted semi-structured interviews of a purposive sample of patients and staff in the comprehensive telehealth arm of the Practical Telehealth to Improve Control and Engagement for Patients with Clinic-Refractory Diabetes Mellitus study. Using the lens of patient engagement, we applied directed content analysis to categorize themes across the five components of the intervention.

The purposive sample included 19 patients (79% male, 53% Black, varying levels of intervention engagement) and 8 staff. The telemonitoring component was associated with encouragement and motivation among patients; staff found satisfaction in providing metrics of success for participants. For the self-management component, patients saw staff as helpful with problem-solving; staff felt patients were receptive to education. Medication management supported medication adherence and optimization and was acceptable to patients. Diet/activity support motivated behavioral changes among patients. Staff felt that depression support allowed for responsiveness to medical and behavioral factors influencing self-management. Identified areas for improvement included staff time constraints, patient difficulties with taking and transmitting data, and challenges with patient adherence among those with mental health conditions.

Findings from this study provide insights that may inform the design, implementation, and scalability of comprehensive telehealth models for diabetes management across diverse healthcare settings.

Clinical and translational research (CTR) plays a vital role in improving health outcomes, but its success relies heavily on institutional support, infrastructure, and workforce capacity. This study aimed to explore the barriers, needs, and facilitators to conducting CTR in Oklahoma, highlighting both the strengths and gaps within the research ecosystem.

A sequential, descriptive mixed-methods design was employed, combining survey data (n = 164) with four qualitative focus groups (n = 23 total participants). The survey assessed research infrastructure, funding, and workforce needs, while the focus groups explored researchers’ lived experiences and institutional challenges. Mixed-methods meta-inference approaches, such as convergence, complementarity, and explanatory integration, were used to identify overlapping and distinct patterns across data strands.

Key barriers included lack of protected research time (23.9%), limited pilot funding (15.3%), and administrative hurdles such as IRB delays. Researchers expressed a strong need for centralized tools to support networking, scientific writing, and data access. Qualitative findings revealed additional needs, such as bridge funding and mentorship, not fully captured in the survey. Facilitators included Oklahoma Shared Clinical and Translational Resources (OSCTR)-supported professional development and mentoring programs, though participants noted a heavy reliance on OSCTR as the primary support source, with few decentralized alternatives.

While CTR infrastructure in Oklahoma has expanded, critical gaps remain in mentorship, data access, and institutional support. To build a more resilient and inclusive research environment, stakeholders should consider investing in decentralized systems, bridge funding, structured mentorship, and collaborative tools tailored to the state’s rural, tribal, and academic diversity. These findings may inform policy and strategic planning in Oklahoma and other underserved regions aiming to strengthen CTR capacity.

Effective interdisciplinary collaboration is essential for addressing complex clinical and translational research challenges. This paper presents and evaluates a structured team science training program developed by the Colorado Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute (CCTSI), while also introducing and validating a novel assessment tool used to measure changes in key teaming competencies.

We evaluated the effectiveness of this program between 2020 and 2022 using pre- and post-program surveys (N = 221). Our evaluation tool was designed to capture familiarity with teaming concepts and the frequency of applying collaborative practices. Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to validate the grouping of these competencies, and paired t-tests were used to measure changes over time.

PCA revealed three distinct components of team science competencies: Team Planning, Managing a Team, and Interpersonal Relations, all demonstrating strong internal reliability. Participants showed statistically significant improvements (p < 0.05) in all three domains. Gains were robust in Team Planning and Managing a Team, emphasizing structured tools and practices. Although improvement was also observed in Interpersonal Relations, the overall gains were smaller.

These findings highlight the self-reported value of Team Science Training programs in CTR settings. The TEAMS instrument described in this manuscript offers a novel approach for CTSAs to evaluate their Team Science training programs. Future applications could include longitudinal tracking and integration metrics to support future program planning, particularly fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and team integration.

Meaningful engagement with young adults (YAs) with a lived experience of cancer is important for conducting impactful research on issues that matter to them, and ensures their voices are central to shaping cancer research outcomes. This preliminary study explored barriers and facilitators to participation in research to identify strategies for making cancer research more inclusive and responsive to the needs of YAs.

This qualitative study involved twelve YAs (aged 21–43 years at time of interview) with a lived experience of cancer, who participated in a focus group or interview. Participants were recruited via multiple cancer charities/organizations and social media platforms. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Barriers to research participation were Person Specific (health and wellbeing, logistical and practical challenges, knowledge, understanding and confidence) and Systemic (lack of advocacy, social and cultural influences). A multi-pronged approach to engage YAs in cancer research should include framing research to make it more relatable, using accessible language, and showcasing its potential value and impact. Incentivising participation and offering flexible engagement formats, (e.g., online surveys and videos), to meet individuals where they are, can aid participation. Collaboration with trusted organizations, ensuring diverse representation in recruitment materials, and using social media platforms were recognized as effective ways to reach a broader audience and ensure inclusivity.

We provide practical strategies on how to implement these approaches. From a researcher perspective, early consideration of funding allocation (e.g., dedicated person for social media engagement, time of Patient and Public Involvement) is key to support these strategies and enhance engagement.

Over the last two decades, there have been significant investments designed to advance clinical and translational research (CTR) with an emphasis on supporting early career investigators and building a cadre of skilled researchers. Despite the investments, there are no comprehensive measurement tools to track individual-level progress along the research continuum as supports are put in place.

The Researcher Investment Tool (RIT) is a novel tool that was created to provide a consistent approach for measuring individual-level changes in the research career trajectory of investigators receiving support from CTR programs.

The RIT is a 90-item questionnaire, with eight domains and four sub-domains, designed to measure a researcher’s experiences and perceptions. Several rounds of testing were conducted to assess the tool’s face and content validity as well as the internal consistency and test-retest reliability.

Psychometric testing revealed strong content validity and good internal consistency with Cronbach’s alpha coefficients ranging from 0.85 to 0.97 across all domains. Test-retest reliability results also revealed stability in the domain measures over time with Pearson’s correlation coefficients ranging from 0.70 to 0.98 for all but one domain (.53).

This novel RIT may be useful to evaluators when measuring the impact of investments designed to support early career clinical and translational researchers.