Effect of participation in the EGFR resisters research summit on competence, performance, and professional productivity of young researchers.

Abstract

e23010 Background: Recognizing the growing need to support early-career scientists, the EGFR Resisters Research Summit (EGFRRS) strives to identify, cultivate, and prepare young investigators (YIs) for successful careers that advance the field of EGFRm NSCLC. Methods: After a modified-NIH selection process based on submitted abstracts, a selected group of YIs were invited to the multi-day EGFRRS annually from 2019-2021. Each invitee received professional coaching, mentoring, and feedback from senior investigators and patient advocates. Changes in YI competence and performance were measured by self-assessment survey of confidence and professional productivity and analysis of abstract scores before and after receiving mentoring and coaching. Statistical testing was conducted via paired t-tests with a priori significance set at 0.05. Results: The EGFFRS included 52 unique YIs from 2019-2021, 50% female, with 44 (85%) MD/MD-PhD and 8 (15%) PhD researchers. 35 (67%) were fellows/residents and 17 (33%) were junior faculty. The mean abstract score (using a modified NIH score of 1-5 with 1 being best) improved from 2.34 prior to 2.09 post (11% improvement; P < 0.005). The mean confidence score (confidence in presenting to peers; 1-4 with 4 being best) improved from 2.7 prior to 3.29 post (22% improvement; P < 0.005). A follow-up survey sent to all YIs had a 46% response rate and notable findings among respondents include: 92% are still strongly or somewhat involved with EGFR lung cancer research, 96% have incorporated the patient perspective into clinical trials, 38% have collaborated with other EGFRRS participants, 46% have presented EGFR-related data at professional meetings (compared to 17% pre-EGFRRS), 25% have published EGFR-related data (compared to 10% pre-EGFRRS), 17% have obtained major grant funding (compared to 10% pre-EGFRRS), 63% remain connected to EGFRRS faculty mentors, 33% remain involved with EGFR Resisters or other patient advocacy groups. In addition, 63% report increased confidence in grant writing, 96% report increased confidence in public presentation and 100% would encourage colleagues to participate in EGFRRS. Conclusions: A research forum designed for early-career investigators can improve the performance and confidence of YIs, as well as professional productivity that is essential to their career path. These findings highlight the robust, multifaceted impact of the EGFRRS on advancing the professional development of the next generation of lung cancer researchers studying driver mutations and targeted therapies, particularly with the novel inclusion of research patient advocates to provide essential perspective.