Wisconsin ADRC research education component: Fostering AD researchers via a virtual network

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundWorldwide, 47 million people have Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias (Alzheimer’s Association). The National Institute on Aging has introduced Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center Research Education Components (RECs) to “support research educational activities to complement the training of a workforce to meet the nation's research needs in AD and related dementias.” By recruiting and training promising researchers, the goal of RECs are to increase the pool of researchers studying ADRD, advance the mission of translating research advances into improved diagnosis and care, as well as treating and preventing ADRD.MethodThe Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC) REC, funded in 2019, aims to deliver a rigorous training program to ensure research proficiency in AD research, infuse research concepts into predoctoral to junior faculty training programs, and measure the effectiveness of the REC. The REC sponsors didactic learning, facilitates networking for ADRD research trainees across campus, identifies ADRC REC Scholars who engage in mentored, 2‐year, research projects, and created a REC junior fellowship to reach students who are underrepresented in AD research. Using a previously created database, survey methods were used to assess trainee career promotions, demographics, and awards. During the COVID‐19 pandemic, the REC modified its strategies to use virtual methods to ensure continued availability of training opportunities. An E‐newsletter was introduced to communicate training and funding opportunities.ResultsOur REC Scholars (N=3) secured an R01, NIH R21/R33 and Beeson K76. Attendance at ADRD‐focused didactic events grew by nearly three‐fold using virtual methods. The E‐newsletter is shared with 550 individuals weekly and has a 35% open rate. The REC held a virtual introduction to ADRD research with UW Madison Precollege Enrichment Opportunity Program for Learning Excellence students via Zoom. Planned internships for the REC junior fellows were not completed due to the pandemic.ConclusionTraining during the COVID‐19 pandemic presented several opportunities for new initiatives. We observed that virtual tools increased the number of individuals engaged in training activities, although level of engagement and learning has not been assessed. Assessment of virtual training will be formally evaluated in collaboration with the UW Learning through Evaluation, Adaptation, and Dissemination Center.