# The Clinical Research/Reproductive Scientist Training Program (CREST)

> **NIH NIH R25** · UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER · 2023 · $157,259

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
The Clinical Research/REproductive Scientist Training Program (CREST) has trained 88 physician scientists in
the conduct of clinical research, has enabled these physicians to participate in multicenter clinical trials and
secondary data analyses, and has helped further their careers and create a cadre of leaders in Obstetrics and
Gynecology. Didactic training in biostatistical methodology is combined with a hands-on mentored team
science project (MTSP) to guide Scholars through the data analysis and publication process. Throughout the
program, mentorship and networking are emphasized to provide early career interactions with academic
societies within their specialties and pathways to leadership. CREST Scholars have produced a total of
1,874 unique peer-reviewed publications since the start of the program in 2005. Specific aims of the
current proposal will build upon past successes to: 1. Train the Reproductive Medicine workforce to meet
the national need for clinical research. It is more critical than ever to educate trainees in clinical research
and apply these principles to clinical practice. We shall continue to train up to 6 Scholars per year. 2. Promote
diversity in the biomedical research workforce by recruiting and training Scholars who are
underrepresented in Medicine (URiM) and equipping them for success. We shall improve our data
capture and followup of URiMs recruited to CREST and apply best practice to welcome new URiM candidates
to the program. 3. Provide ‘holistic’ mentoring for Scholars extending to their home institutions. We
shall identify an experienced, senior faculty member who will provide one-on-one support for each Scholar’s
research experience as well as longer term mentoring beyond the program’s 2-year time frame. By building
upon our programmatic strengths and extending the reach of our mentoring protocols, we plan to continue our
exceptional success in preparing for the future of the field. CREST has trained 7 academic Division Chiefs in
Ob/Gyn, one department Chair, and two Presidents of the Society for Reproductive Endocrinology and
Infertility to date, along with multiple committee members of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10553877
- **Project number:** 2R25HD075737-11
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER
- **Principal Investigator:** Nanette F. Santoro
- **Activity code:** R25 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2023
- **Award amount:** $157,259
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 2013-04-15 → 2028-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10553877

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10553877, The Clinical Research/Reproductive Scientist Training Program (CREST) (2R25HD075737-11). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10553877. Licensed CC0.

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