# Career Advancement and Culture Change in Biomedical Research: Group Peer Mentoring Outcomes and Mechanisms

> **NIH NIH U01** · BRANDEIS UNIVERSITY · 2021 · $746,423

## Abstract

Abstract
To address the need for a more diverse biomedical and biobehavioral research
workforce, and to increase opportunities for effective mentoring for diverse and
underrepresented groups, we propose to implement a group peer mentoring program
for academic physician-scientists and PhD scientists engaged in biomedical research
that will result in enhanced career advancement and success, and high vitality. We will
conduct a randomized controlled trial of group peer mentoring with mid-career faculty
participants, as they are at a critical career transition point. Our primary outcomes are
measures of faculty vitality and career advancement. Hypothesized secondary
outcomes include enhanced cultural awareness and appreciation of difference and
diversity; use of key mentoring practices, and achievement of personal goals. Short-
term, intermediate and long-term outcomes will be measured by the following methods:
validated survey instruments; self-assessment (surveys and written narratives with
qualitative analysis); CV analysis for DPC Hallmarks of Success; supervisor
assessment. Specific factors that contribute to the successful intervention will be
assessed including the mechanisms of relationship formation, providing psychological
safety, reciprocity, cultural awareness and appreciation of difference and diversity; and
a structured process of academic career planning. We will conduct qualitative analyses
of ethnographic observation, participant interviews and written narratives to assess the
mechanisms, and participants will report on completion of each step of the detailed
academic development plan. This scientific approach to understanding a successful
mentoring intervention will contribute to the science of mentoring; be a basis for broad
dissemination of the intervention methods and mechanisms; and will be generalizable to
different institutions and career stages. The proposed evidence-based mentoring model
eliminates the frequently encountered pitfalls of traditional mentoring models and their
variable success, and provides a network of peers. One arm of the project is to assess
the use of mentoring practices learned in the intervention by gathering the perspectives
of the intervention participants' own home work groups. In this way, the specific factors
that contribute to successful outcomes will be disseminated across a wide variety of
institutions in the US.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10201663
- **Project number:** 5U01GM132367-03
- **Recipient organization:** BRANDEIS UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Linda Pololi
- **Activity code:** U01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $746,423
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-07-29 → 2024-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10201663

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10201663, Career Advancement and Culture Change in Biomedical Research: Group Peer Mentoring Outcomes and Mechanisms (5U01GM132367-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10201663. Licensed CC0.

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