Continuation in the KL2 Career Development Awards Program is determined yearly based upon satisfactory research progress, professional effort, academic grades, and attendance and participation in CRTC events.
Professional Effort
KL2 Scholars are expected to devote 75% of their full-time effort to the training and clinical research activities of the KL2 program unless other terms have been negotiated prior to matriculation into the program.
Scholars’ remaining effort may be devoted to other clinical or academic pursuits consistent with the award. NIH policy requires that the remainder of a scholar’s salary (the portion NOT paid by the KL2 program) must come from non-federal sources.
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Mentorship
Developing a successful clinical and translational research career requires strong relationships with mentors and a research team. Each scholar must have program-approved primary and secondary mentors. The primary mentor will be the scholar’s main source of research supervision and career development. Scholars are expected to meet with their mentors monthly. KL2 mentors are expected to be available for consultation and support concerning the scholar’s current projects and future progress. KL2 mentors are also expected to provide formal feedback to the scholar at least annually.
ICTS Membership
All CRTC Scholars are strongly encouraged to become members of the Washington University Institute of Clinical and Translational Sciences (ICTS). This membership is at no cost and will ensure that you are well informed about the latest news, events, awards and funding opportunities across the CTSA. Register to become an ICTS member here.
Didactic Coursework and Research Seminars
KL2 scholars are required to enroll in the following:
- Ethical and Legal Issues in Clinical Research, or equivalent, one semester during the program (M17-510, offered only in Fall semesters, 2 credits)
- MTPCI Research Seminar, each semester (M17-5140)
Scholars are required to attend the weekly MTPCI Seminar (currently held on Tuesday afternoons) during the Fall and Spring semesters (mid-August through May). Scholars are required to present research-in-progress once each year. Feedback will be provided from the Directors, Mentors, and Peers in attendance.
One session each month will be dedicated to Career Development topics. During these seminars, external speakers will be invited to present.
Individual Development Plans
KL2 scholars must establish a Individual Development Plan in consultation with their mentors and advisory committee. This plan must be submitted annually on July 1st.
All Individual Development Plans should include:
- Individual development goals for the next 1-5 years
- Career objectives for each goal – For each objective, the scholar should indicate what individual products (degrees, publications, presentations, grants, etc.) are expected
- Research activities and projects that will assist the scholar in meeting the objectives
- An overview of the courses, workshops and other educational/training activities that the Scholar plans to pursue
- A timeline should also be constructed to display the individual objectives, educational activities, research activities, and products
ICTS Symposium Presentations
Each May, ICTS hosts their annual Research Training Symposium and Poster Session. All KL2 scholars are required to submit an abstract and present a poster each year of their KL2 appointment. Scholars are given the option to have their research considered for an oral presentation.
CRTC Career Development Retreat
KL2 Scholars are required to attend the annual Retreat hosted by the CRTC. During this late-afternoon event, speakers will be highlighting topics relevant to Scholars’ Career Development and Research.
IRB Approvals
Scholars are required to provide to the Program current IRB approvals for their research project(s).
Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR)
Scholars are required to complete the course Ethical and Legal Issues in Clinical Research (M17-510) during their time in the program as part of their training in the Responsible Conduct of Research. Scholars must also comply with Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Guidelines for the duration of the program.
Grant citations
K12 scholars are to acknowledge the receipt of K12 grant support in all publications, Biosketches, and Other Support documents. Each program has unique requirements for citing grants.
Learn more about grant citation requirements »
Research Progress
Scholars are to keep the Program informed of their individual progress including published manuscripts, abstracts, submitted grant applications and awards in a timely manner. Additionally, at least once each year, all Scholars are required to provide a progress report detailing their research-in-progress.
Research Funds
Scholars are required to submit a budget to the CRTC Financial Coordinator prior to the start of their program appointment and each subsequent year of the program. This budget must outline projected expenses to be covered by research funds. Budget revisions and expense reports are required as incurred. All scholars are expected to follow the financial policies of the Program. Failure to follow Program policies may result in denial of reimbursement or purchase requests.
ICTS Research Design & Biostatistics Group (RDBG) Research Plan
Scholars are required to schedule an appointment with the RDBG and their mentors to discuss their research plan and specific needs at the start of each program year. The purpose of the RDBG is to provide Scholars with guidance on data management and statistical analysis.
Translational Science Annual Meeting
Each year a meeting of all national clinical and translational research programs is hosted. This meeting presents an exceptional opportunity to meet and interact with key clinical research leaders from the NIH, to hear and read about multidisciplinary clinical research at other CTSA-awarded institutions, to network with scholars and leaders from across the nation, and to form collaborative partnerships in multidisciplinary clinical research. Scholars are required to attend and present their research at this meeting held in Washington D.C. in their first year of the program. Travel expenses will be paid for KL2 scholars to meet this program requirement.
ICTS Research Forum and Mock Study Section
Scholars are required to submit a grant to the ICTS Research Forum Program and/or the NIH Mock Study Section at least once while in the KL2 Program.
Program Evaluations
Scholars are expected to complete required program evaluations twice per year. These evaluations are administered online and are mandatory for all scholars.