LCIRN Scholars Program

The LCIRN Scholars Program is designed to support the next generation of researchers to use life course intervention research (LCIR) concepts, methods, and skills to promote health and well-being across the lifespan. Scholars will be supported to bridge the gap between completion of their training and the launch of their independent research careers. The inaugural year of the LCIRN Scholars Program will run from July 2021 to June 2022 with potential to extend for a second year. Teaching sessions will be virtual, so Scholars can participate from any location in the US states and territories.

What does the Scholars Program provide?

Training

Training in Life Course Intervention Research concepts and frameworks, as well as specific skills and methods to support implementation of life course intervention research. LCIR is a transdisciplinary field, and trainings will include guest speakers with expertise in medicine, social work, public health, mental health, as well as family and community leaders.

Mentorship

Scholars will be paired with a mentor from the LCIRN who can support their research and professional development throughout the course of the year.

Research Project Development

Scholars will be supported to identify an idea for a research project, workshop it with leading experts in the field of LCIR, and develop it into a pilot study. Scholars will have access to up to $10,000 in funding for a 6-month pilot period, together with guidance to develop a larger application for ongoing funding.

LCIRN Membership

Each scholar will join one of the LCIRN research nodes that best aligns with their interests (currently: Family Health/Co-parenting, Early Childhood Mental Health, Adversity Adaptation & Resilience, Youth Participatory Engagement, Family Health Measurement, Prematurity, Youth Justice.). Nodes meet regularly and work on building the field through conceptual papers, collaborative projects, and proposals for future funding.

Who is the program for?

Early-stage investigators (e.g., doctoral students, post-doctoral fellows, & early-career faculty) and/or any investigator interested in transitioning into life course intervention research.
You should be a member of the Life Course Intervention Research Network (LCIRN) and/or have a research mentor who is a member of the network. (If you don’t, we will connect you with someone.)
Applicants from groups historically excluded from health sciences research are particularly encouraged to apply.

What does the program look like?

LCIR Concepts and Frameworks

The first three months of the program will focus on gaining a common understanding of life course intervention research concepts and frameworks.

Scholars will begin workshopping their project ideas with their cohort and leaders from the LCIRN.

The cohort will meet weekly for 2 hours per session. Scholars will be connected with their mentor for the year and will select their research node.

Research Project Development

The primary focus during the second quarter will be to support scholars in developing their pilot projects and preparing and submitting proposals for funds. Projects should be intervention-focused and must be implemented in the US states and territories.

Scholars will continue to meet for 2 hours a week for workshopping, combined with didactic modules to develop specific skills to support LCIR. Scholars will also meet regularly with their mentors.

Pilot Project Implementation

During the final six months of the program, scholars will implement their pilot projects and work on developing proposals for future funding.

The cohort will continue to meet biweekly to review progress, troubleshoot challenges, and receive ongoing training and support focused on building specific skills. This third phase of the Scholars program will be customized based on the nature of the projects being undertaken, their design and subject matter, scholar requests and needs

Scholars will also be expected to continue to meet with their mentors and research nodes throughout this process.