# Educational Program to Improve Innovation and Entrepreneurial Thinking in Biomedical Researchers

> **NIH NIH R25** · WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · 2021 · $447,533

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
Background: Contemporary science emphasizes efficient translation of scientific discoveries into tangible,
innovative products that can be used to improve human health. Thus, in addition to scientific expertise, today's
biomedical scientists will need additional skills in innovation and entrepreneurship (I&E).
Program: The Program in Innovation and Entrepreneurship for Biomedical Investigators (PIE-BI) will
use novel training methods to build core skills in established I&E competencies. Leveraging the strengths of
our local environment, the PIE-BI will provide research trainees from Washington University and other
institutions with short courses and a variety of opportunities for mentored experiential learning and career
guidance. The curriculum is designed to be flexible to allow trainees to tailor their learning to their interest and
complement their ongoing research training program. A Certificate of Accomplishment will be issued for
completion of the core curriculum and a capstone project.
Over 5-years we will: 1) Identify a set of core I&E competencies for biomedical researchers with input from
industry, academia, government, and student; 2) Based on these competencies, develop and test the PIE-BI;
3) Provide trainees with opportunities to learn I&E skills and receive career development advice from mentors
with I&E expertise from diverse cultural, academic, industrial, and entrepreneurial backgrounds; 4) Extend the
reach of the PIE-BI curriculum to other institutions and trainees from underrepresented minorities.
Team: An outstanding, multidisciplinary team has been assembled to design and implement the program,
bringing together complementary skills and expertise in biomedical research, research training, and I&E.
Innovation: Our training program is highly innovative because it applies competencies and curriculum
specifically focused on I&E for biomedical investigators and it is multidisciplinary on many levels. Also, the
flexible, hybrid online, face-to-face, and mentored experiential course delivery model allows trainees to develop
a unique training experience to augment their scientific training.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10240517
- **Project number:** 5R25GM116727-05
- **Recipient organization:** WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Jesse Alan Davis
- **Activity code:** R25 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $447,533
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2017-09-01 → 2023-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10240517

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10240517, Educational Program to Improve Innovation and Entrepreneurial Thinking in Biomedical Researchers (5R25GM116727-05). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10240517. Licensed CC0.

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