iDRIV has a foundational commitment to supporting the success of brilliant quality investigators AND also sees the crucial value of creating a network of diverse researchers in order to enhance our mission to improve human health. Diverse research teams have been demonstrated to boost creativity and productivity yet are lacking in our current scientific workforce. This program seeks to jump start and drive the research journey of early career and aspiring faculty at UVA through education, coaching, mentoring and sponsorship, designed to support those researchers who are nationally underrepresented in clinical and translational science.
The iDRIV program, which began in 2020, consists of 1.5-hour collaborative sessions which include a mix of presentations and panel discussions with opportunities for the participants to share their experiences. In addition, the program requires all participants to take part in a proposal development workshop.
Sessions include the following:
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Why mentoring?
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How to promote yourself and your research on social media
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Intro to promotion and tenure, what you need to know
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Giving effective presentations
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All about CV’s, biosketches, and grant submission process
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Managing microaggressions
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Strategies for engaging your leaders
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Networking
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Library and biostatistical resources
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Goal setting
iDRIV Scholars are expected to participate in 90 minute sessions (mix of in person & virtual) every other week and complete a 6-week (2-hr/week) NIH proposal development series during the six month program.
The 2025 cycle will be from January 2025- June 2025. Applications for this cycle will open in the Fall of 2025, to receive the application link when available, please complete this interest form.
You will receive an email once the application process opens.
Eligibility: Participants must meet the following:
1. Clinical and Post-Doctoral Fellows, Clinical Instructor, Assistant Professor, and Early Associate Professor (<5 years)
2. Committed to a career in health related clinical, basic or translational research
3. Meet the NIH definition of underrepresented persons in biomedical research NIH Definition
Questions: Please feel free to contact us with any program or application questions.
