I am new to RTRN Research

• What is RTRN ?
• Who can participate in RTRN ?
• What are the benefits of working with the Network ?
• What type of research does RTRN support ?
• Does RTRN provide funding for Research ?
• How can I participate in RTRN ?
  

BENEFITS OF RTRN PARTNERSHIP

• What are the benefits of working with the network?
• What makes RTRN different from other Networks?
• Why should we bring our research project to RTRN?
  

RTRN RESOURCES/SERVICES

• What is the cost for using the network? Is there a charge for the services?
• Will the network support a single investigator with a single-site study?
• Who do we contact to discuss establishing a project under RTRN?
• What is the process for submitting research ideas to the network?
• How long will it take to have a research idea turned into an approved proposal through RTRN?
• If you have an individual idea and want to amplify it and test it but concerned about protection, how could this be handled?
• How can the network (RTRN) help me identify collaborators?
• Can I receive help from the subcommittees and/or working groups at no cost?
• How can the subcommittees and/or working groups help my research project/team?
• If a site already has bio-statistical services, must RTRN biostatistics be used instead? How can the two be coupled?
• If I am not an RCMI investigator but work with a RCMI researcher on a project, can I use the RTRN Portal and other collaborative tools and to what resources do I have access?

RTRN FUNDING

• How can I become involved in the subcommittees and/or working groups of RTRN?
• Does the network provide funding for research projects? How do I apply?
• Who should I contact about the RTRN Small Grants Program?

RTRN GOVERNANCE

• How can I become involved in the subcommittees and/or working groups of RTRN?
• What is the role of the working group?

TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH CLUSTERS (TRC)

• How can I join a cluster? How? Who do I contact?
• Can I utilize Network resources/services, etc. if I am not a member of a research cluster?
• Describe the steps for implementing a RTRN Pilot Project.

EDUCATION AND DISSEMINATION

• Does the network offer Continuing Education Credit courses?
• Who should I contact if I have an education opportunity to offer the RCMI community?

Data and Technology Coordinating Center (DTCC)

• What are the costs for using DTCC services and how will they be provided?
• Who should I contact for more information about the DTCC’s services?
• Does the DTCC support research projects that are not clinical studies/trials?
• If the database is hosted by DTCC what happens to the data at the end of the study? Can the site have it back?
• Can the DTCC assist with itemizing the pre-clinical and Investigational New Drug (IND) requirements for a product for FDA submission?
• Can the DTCC integrate small datasets into one larger dataset?
• What statistical support is available through the DTCC?
• Why should I use the RTRN Portal?

 

I am new to RTRN Research

What is RTRN ? top

RTRN is a consortium comprised of investigators from 18 RCMI institutions engaged in research collaborations with scientists from other RCMIs, other academic health centers, health care providers and community groups to address health disparities. Learn more About RTRN

Who can participate in RTRN ? top

RTRN is a resource for all scientists, researchers, post docs and graduate students at the 18 RCMIs. Investigators representing other academic research centers can access RTRN through their collaborative work with an RCMI researcher who is serving as lead on the project.

What are the benefits of working with the Network ? top

RTRN leverages the scientific expertise and technological resources of the 18 RCMIs and its Data and Technology Coordinating Center to facilitate translational research. The Network can provide support throughout the research process; from protocol development through publishing research outcomes.

• Find Mentors
• Find Collaborators
• Find Resources
• Find Funding Sources
• Find Service Support

What type of research does RTRN support ? top

RTRN supports projects that address the health problems of minority and underserved populations. Teams of basic, behavioral, clinical and translational researchers collaborate to conduct inter-institutional and multi-disciplinary research that address the health problems of minority and underserved populations. Many projects in research areas such as cardiovascular disease, HIV/AIDs, and cancer have been initiated through RTRN; many other projects are under development.

Does RTRN provide funding for Research ? top

The RTRN Small Grants Program promotes inter-institutional collaborations by providing modest funding for short-term, self-contained research projects, including feasibility studies; secondary analysis of existing data; and development of research methodology and technology.

How can I participate in RTRN ? top

Our researchers are brought together in “Research Clusters” based on their scientific interests to generate ideas and implement innovative inter-institutional and multi-disciplinary research. Complete the participation form to become active in a research cluster.

For more information about the Network, contact:

Traci Hayes
Director of Communications
communications@rtrn.net
601.979.0333

BENEFITS OF RTRN PARTNERSHIP

What are the benefits of working with the network? top

RTRN leverages the scientific expertise and technological resources of the 18 RCMIs. The network can provide support throughout the research process; from proposal and protocol development through publishing research outcomes.

RTRN has established an environment which supports collaborations and offers tools and applications that foster team science

What makes RTRN different from other Networks? top

RTRN leverages resources at the 18 RCMIs to address health disparities.  Our researchers and their projects are focused on addressing these health problems that typically affect underserved and underrepresented communities/populations. In addition, community engagement is a key component of the network’s overall program.  RTRN focuses on ensuring the community has input in our research agenda and that they are empowered in the doctor/patient relationship.

Why should we bring our research project to RTRN? top

Translational research is more than a trend.  It is the future of scientific discovery and has growing support among leading funding agencies, such as NIH and NSF.  RTRN is on the cusp of this growing initiative and is positioned to support the researchers who desire to move from independent research to collaborative, interdisciplinary discovery.  RTRN can offer tools and resources that enable research teams to collaborate beyond geographical boundaries while maintaining safe and secure environment for sharing sensitive materials.  In addition, RTRN can connect researchers with others who have skills and expertise to complement their work and expedite the research discovery.

 

RTRN RESOURCES/SERVICES

 What is the cost for using the network?  Is there a charge for the services?  top

RTRN provides a virtual environment that centralizing the resources of the 18 RCMI sites.  RCMI scientists who offer their expertise on a volunteer basis; therefore, support from the RTRN subcommittees spearhead much of the activity and working groups is available to any research team at no charge. However, since volunteers staff these committees and working groups, the working relationship is structured to maximize time, effort and productivity. 

Researchers seeking support for data management, statistics and study logistics can work with the Data and Technology Coordinating Center.  The DTCC provides a variety of research support services.

Researchers can request a cost proposal outlining the projected costs associated with the specific needs of their research project.  To secure a cost proposal for any of the DTCC services, complete the online request form at www.rtrn.net

Will the network support a single investigator with a single-site study? top

RTRN is focused on moving researchers toward translational interdisciplinary research activities. The supported research projects involve two or more RCMI sites and two or more health areas.

Who do we contact to discuss establishing a project under RTRN? top

To submit a research idea for RTRN support, contact RTRN Program Manager (PM)

What is the process for submitting research ideas to the network? top

Scientists who have research ideas, whether they are generated within the Translational research cluster (TRC) or through collaborations with RCMI or non-RCMI researchers should contact the RTRN PM.  The PM will assist in moving your research idea through the RTRN process.

The PM will coordinate your initial consultation with one or more of the subcommittees and/or the Data and Technology Coordinating Center

How long will it take to have a research idea turned into an approved proposal through RTRN? top

RTRN’s goal is to expedite the research process from proposal development to study implementation. Though we can not provide concrete turn around times, the network’s subcommittees and working groups are committed to expeditiously addressing our researchers’ needs and ensuring quality support at every step of the process.

If you have an individual idea and want to amplify it and test it but concerned about protection, how could this be handled? top

A confidentiality agreement is available and binds all RTRN staff and committee members from sharing the privileged information provided by our researchers.

How can the network (RTRN) help me identify collaborators? top

RTRN offers a variety of ways to help researchers identify other scientists with whom they can collaborate.

Collaborations are formed and encouraged in the network’s Translational Research Clusters. Cluster membership is open to all RCMI researchers. 

A formal request for collaborators can be submitted to communications@rtrn.net.  The request will be disseminated across the network via the community listserv.

The Request for collaborator announcement is posted to the RTRN web site.

Can I receive help from the subcommittees and/or working groups at no cost? top

The RTRN subcommittees and working groups are available for consultation at no charge to an RCMI researcher.  However, since these committees and working groups are staffed by volunteers,

The working relationship is structured to maximize time, effort and productivity. 

The RTRN PM will assist in coordinating your initial consultation with the subcommittees and/or working groups.

How can the subcommittees and/or working groups help my research project/team? top

The subcommittees and working groups are comprised of knowledgeable, experienced scientists who have extensive research backgrounds in a variety of biomedical, clinical and behavioral areas.  These committees and groups will review your project/proposal and offer advice and insight to facilitate the development, application and implementation process.  Our committees and working group consult in a variety of areas including protocol review, Ethics & regulatory issues, education and continued learning, publications & presentations as well as informatics and community engagement

If a site already has bio-statistical services, must RTRN biostatistics be used instead?  How can the two be coupled? top

Through the DTCC, RTRN offers bio-statistical support.  However it is not mandated to utilize the services. A full time senior bio-statistician on staff at the DTCC oversees all statistical needs and engages the bio-statistical working group when additional input on a research project is needed. Hence, the DTCC bio-statistician can complement the RCMI’s bio-statistical services.

If I am not an RCMI investigator but work with a RCMI researcher on a project, can I use the RTRN Portal and other collaborative tools and to what resources do I have access? top

Yes, collaborations with non-RCMI researchers are supported by RTRN. However, access can only be granted under the supervision of the RCMI PI for the resources available through the network such as the secure portal, listservs, multi-media.

 

RTRN FUNDING

How can I become involved in the subcommittees and/or working groups of RTRN? top

There are 8 subcommittees: Research, Protocol Review, Ethics & Regulatory, Education & Dissemination, Publications & Presentations, Core Resources, Informatics and Community Engagement.  Participation in on the committees is voluntary.

Members have agreed to commit time and effort to advise and support the researchers as they develop and implement research projects.  Those interested in serving on one of the committees should contact the Subcommittee Chairs.               

Working groups are comprised of the skilled professionals in that area who represent one of the 18 RCMI sites.  Participation on the working groups is voluntary.  Those interested in serving on a working group should contact the group leaders by visiting www.rtrn.net and clicking the working group tab.

Does the network provide funding for research projects?  How do I apply? top

Through the RTRN Small Grants Program, RCMI researchers can apply for network funds to support multi-site research pilots.  Click here for additional information on the RTRN Small Grants Program.

Who should I contact about the RTRN Small Grants Program? top

Researchers interested in the RTRN Small Grants Program should contact the RTRN Research Core. Dr. Richard Yanagihara and his team at the University of Hawaii at Manoa lead the RTRN Research Core, and are responsible for facilitating the activities of the Translational Research Clusters. 

Click here for more information about the RTRN Small Grants Program

 

RTRN GOVERNANCE

How can I become involved in the subcommittees and/or working groups of RTRN? top

There are 8 subcommittees: Research, Protocol Review, Ethics & Regulatory, Education & Dissemination, Publications & Presentations, Core Resources, Informatics and Community Engagement.  Participation in on the committees is voluntary.

Members have agreed to commit time and effort to advise and support the researchers as they develop and implement research projects.  Those interested in serving on one of the committees should contact the Subcommittee Chairs. 

Working groups are comprised of the skilled professionals in that area who represent one of the 18 RCMI sites.  Participation on the working groups is voluntary.  Those interested in serving on a working group should contact the group leaders by visiting www.rtrn.net and clicking the working group tab.

What is the role of the working group? top

Working groups like biostatistics and informatics provide vital statistical and technological expertise needed to analyze and filter complex data from translational research studies into meaningful findings. Working groups work in conjunction with researchers at RTRN to assist them at various stages of their studies.

 

TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH CLUSTERS (TRC)

How can I join a cluster? How?  Who do I contact? top

RCMI researchers are encouraged to join any one of the TRC.  Membership is open to all RCMI scientists.  Researchers can complete the cluster participation form available on the RTRN web site or contact the Cluster Coordinator, Susan Ordinado via e-mail at susano@hawaii.edu.

Can I utilize Network resources/services, etc. if I am not a member of a research cluster?top

RTRN leverages the scientific expertise and technology resources available across the 18 RCMI centers. Though, participation in the clusters is encouraged, scientists/researchers at any of the RCMIs can access the network’s services.

  Describe the steps for implementing a RTRN Pilot Project. top

i.    PIs/Co-PIs at RCMI(s) identify the pilot project proposal

ii.    Pilot project communicated to RTRN/DTCC for study feasibility evaluation

iii.    RTRN approved pilot projects forwarded to get NIH PRC Approval for protocol

iv.    Pilot Study Database Setup, Validated and Tested in Development Environment

v.    NIH DSMB Approval for protocol

vi.    RCMI(s) expedited IRB reviews pending DSMB approval

vii.    Production Environment Database Setup, Validation and Testing pending final approval of protocol and CRFs

viii.    Joint Manual of Procedures (MOP) developed and implemented.

 

EDUCATION AND DISSEMINATION

Does the network offer Continuing Education Credit courses? top

RTRN’s Education and Dissemination subcommittee is leading the charge to develop and identify continuing education programs that will prepare our researchers for translational work and enhance their current understanding of developing areas.

Who should I contact if I have an education opportunity to offer the RCMI community? top

Researchers who have educational/training programs to share with the research community should contact the chair of the Education and Dissemination subcommittee and provide a written overview of the course/offering.  The subcommittee will review and recommend it for dissemination across the network.  The course will be offered to the community via online distribution or as a onsite class/training.

 

DATA AND TECHNOLOGY COORDINATING CENTER(DTCC)

What are the costs for using DTCC services and how will they be provided? top

The DTCC offers a variety of services in data management, biostatics, study logistics and communications. Once your research project has been registered with the RTRN Program Manager, he will coordinate your initial contact with the DTCC.  You will be instructed to complete a request for cost proposal form, and your project lead will contact you to discuss the costs outlined in the proposal.  At that point, the researcher/team will work directly with the DTCC to obtain and manage the specified services.

Who should I contact for more information about the DTCC’s services? top

You can visit the web site for comprehensive information about the DTCC as well as the entire network. 

Or you can go online www.rtrn.net to request an information package.

Does the DTCC support research projects that are not clinical studies/trials?  top

Yes, the DTCC provides services that can be utilized by research teams in basic, behavioral science as well as clinical studies.

If the database is hosted by DTCC what happens to the data at the end of the study?  Can the site have it back? top

All the data housed by the DTCC remains the property of the PI/site.  Upon the completion of a study/project, the DTCC will retain data files to the PI/site.

Can the DTCC assist with itemizing the pre-clinical and Investigational New Drug (IND) requirements for a product for FDA submission? top

Yes.  The DTCC’s Clinical Data Services can provide direction for accomplishing this type of task.

Can the DTCC integrate small datasets into one larger dataset? top

Yes.  The DTCC’s Data Management Division can provide direction for accomplishing this type of task

What statistical support is available through the DTCC? top

Go to www.rtrn.net to learn about the network’s statistical services as well as other services available through the DTCC.

Why should I use the RTRN Portal? top

The RTRN Portal is a secure, virtual environment that allows researchers to safely share and transmit sensitive information. The RTRN Portal is one of the resources available to researchers to enhance their collaborative efforts. Researchers are provided a unique user ID and password to access the portal from any computer location.  The Portal is an ideal environment for posting, editing and reviewing documents/information pertinent to the research teams’ project.  The DTCC offers weekly trainings to familiarize researchers with the portal and its functionalities.