A new interactive series launched in February by the University of Florida’s Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics and the Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) helps researchers obtain direct, confidential feedback about proposed research. Called a “Design Studio,” the one-hour meeting mimics a National Institutes of Health (NIH) study section to assess aspiring eggs of research before they hatch.
The CTSI previously has applied the Design Studio concept to connect researchers with community members.
This forum for feedback was developed and implemented by the HOBI Research Committee, composed of Drs. Yi Guo, Jiang Bian, Mei Liu, and Carla Fisher. To prepare for each session, two or three reviewers read and score a presenter’s proposal. Citizen scientists are also invited to participate in discussions.
Light Bulb Moments
On March 20, Professor Todd Manini shared his grant proposal for aging research. After his presentation about “Gerontology Centers United to Aid Remote Research in Elders,” he sat on the edge of a table and listened to the audience’s responses. The ensuing chatter continued into the hallway after the session ended.
HOBI Design Studios bring together faculty, postdocs, students and staff on a monthly basis. The next Design Studio is April 17 and will feature Associate Professor Megan Gregory and her proposal about exploring the use of electronic health record data to measure teamwork.
Gregory’s work is at an early stage of development, and she intends to submit a full grant proposal in October along with colleagues from other universities. The research intends use big data or other methods to measure the concept of teamwork in clinical settings.
“I hope to get feedback about the direction and ideas before they get too far down the pipeline,” Gregory said. She feels that this process of early feedback in a friendly environment seems more inviting than waiting for comments from an official review panel. It offers a means to identify red flags.
Works in Progress
Gregory said that a one-hour, in-person format is more efficient than trying to circulate a proposal by email. She appreciates the opportunity to gain lessons learned by senior, more experienced faculty members.
Jessica Ray, Assistant Professor, inaugurated the Design Studio series on February 21 to discuss a grant proposal that had already been reviewed by NIH but needs to be re-submitted. It seeks to improve the communication between families and their medical doctors when dealing with chronic disease.
The semester’s final Design Studio scheduled for May 15 is awaiting a presenter. For that session and for the fall sessions occurring on the third Wednesday of the month, HOBI and CTSI researchers interested in presenting a work-in-progress may contact Peggy Ford or fill out this form: HOBI/CTSI Design Studio Request for Presenters.