General description of the project:
Diversity and interdisciplinarity are required for successful and transformational Clinical and Translational Research (CTR). Hispanics are underrepresented in the research environment. The Title V program at the Medical Sciences Campus of the University of Puerto Rico, developed a research pilot project program (PiP) in CTR to integrate health professions’ faculty and students, basic scientists , seasoned researchers and undergraduate programs’ faculty members from all post secondary institutions across Puerto Rico, integrating them in CTR teams. More than 99% of the PiP teams members are Hispanic.
The practicum focuses on the organizing of a research team identified as a Pilot Project team (PiP team) and the implementation of the proposed project. At present the PiP project has representation from eight different institutions/ campuses: University of Puerto Rico: Humacao, Cayey, Rio Piedras and Medical Sciences Campus; Instituto Tecnológico de Puerto Rico at Manatí; Universidad Central del Caribe; Universidad Interamericana Metro and Huertas Junior College.
The practicum includes basic aspects of training in research including responsible conduct of research, scientific writing, statistical analysis, and the design of a proposal. These trainings are mostly web based online offerings. Scientific publications and writing, and statistical analysis consultants are also available through web based platforms. These have allowed for cost effective communication and integration of team members from different geographical locations,minimizing travel costs and promoting enhanced productivity and publications.