Abstract
Goals/Objectives: Effective research relies on a well-trained study coordinator workforce, but mentorship programs are lacking. Retaining and empowering career development for skilled research staff is challenging. To address this, the Michigan Institute for Clinical and Health Research launched the STEP.up program.
Method: The Staff Enrichment Program for Research Professionals (STEP.up) was created in 2018. To increase knowledge and awareness of our program, we developed an implementation guide to share best practices and open access to our program structure and content. We identified seven critical elements integral to program success. The implementation guide provides a description and rationale for these elements. We partnered with an instructional designer to build a descriptive and easy-to-use guide that describes insights into the successful implementation of the program, practical strategies for program management, and adaptable resources for institutions to use and tailor to their unique needs.
Results: In the STEP.up program, early career, new-to-role, or new-to-organization research staff members are paired with senior research professionals in a 9-month structured mentorship and career development experience to promote professional development, job satisfaction, and retention for individuals currently working as research professionals. Of the 82 participants from 2018-2024, 76 (93%) have remained in their roles as study coordinators. The STEP.up program implementation guide provides the tools, resources, and insights senior research professionals need to implement this program successfully at their sites.
Discussion/Significance: STEP.up program materials are available as an open-source resource on the DIAMOND portal. This resource can encourage others to invest in structured mentorship for research professionals to help establish a culture of growth and cultivate a resilient, skilled, and committed research workforce.
Lay Summary: Effective research relies on a well-trained study coordinator workforce, but mentorship programs are lacking. To address this, the Michigan Institute for Clinical and Health Research created the STEP.up mentorship program. In 2024, we developed an open-access implementation guide to share best practices for our program structure and content. Seven elements for program success are identified in a descriptive and easy-to-use guide that provides insights into the implementation of the program, practical strategies for program management, and adaptable resources for institutions to use and tailor to their unique needs. The STEP.up program implementation guide provides the resources senior research professionals need to implement this program successfully at their sites and encourages others to invest in structured mentorship for research professionals.
DOI to abstract in JCTS 2025 Abstract Collection vol 9(s1): https://doi.org/10.1017/cts.2024.813
