PROJECT SUMMARY Despite research showing that diversity improves creativity, decision making, and scientific outcomes, people from racially/ethnically minoritized communities or disadvantaged backgrounds are significantly underrepresented in the sciences and health professions, with greater disparities at each higher academic level. Grounded in a diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) framework, the Southwest Health Equity Research Collaborative (SHERC) at Northern Arizona University (NAU) aims to enhance the institutional and regional capacity to conduct health equity research. The overall goal of the Investigator Development Core (IDC) is to support the development of early-stage investigators (ESIs) and underrepresented (UR) faculty in biomedical, clinical, and behavioral sciences. This goal will be met through 2 aims that build upon an established and highly successful Pilot Project Program (PPP). Aim 1 will enhance the PPP program with a focus on translational research and team science, providing investigators $50,000/year for up to 2 years to establish successful programs of research in health equity. Investigators will use translational research techniques to systematically address basic mechanistic questions; apply findings to preclinical, biomedical, and behavioral research problems; and design clinical or behavioral interventions to improve health care and health outcomes. Outreach and recruitment strategies will leverage institutional connections to maximize ESI and UR applicants. Faculty selected for PPP funding will be expected to complete proposed research aims within set timelines; work directly with team science experts to enhance translational impact of their work; produce deliverables including peer reviewed publications and externally submitted grant proposals; and participate in RCMI activities, faculty mentoring programs, and research development activities. Aim 2 will support career development of PPP research leads and other ESI and UR faculty through an Individualized Mentoring Program (IMP). PPP applicants will receive individualized support throughout the proposal process and in selecting a mentorship team. Formal mentoring support will specifically address barriers commonly experienced by ESI and UR faculty. Overall program evaluation will combine objectively verifiable outcomes (promotions, publications, and submitted/funded grant proposals), validated outcome measures (mentorship effectiveness, competencies, self-efficacy) and qualitative methods to gain deep insight into factors impacting career progression. In 5 years, we anticipate supporting both ESI and UR faculty (13 total investigators) through pilot research funding and participation in the IMP. We expect the investigators’ publications, external grant submissions, and ratings of mentor effectiveness and mentee self-efficacy to increase over time. Through these outcomes, IDC will strongly enhance ESI and UR scholar career development at NAU which in ...