PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT A critical barrier to realizing the promise of the Academic Learning Health System (aLHS) is the insufficient number of investigators with the skills to cross the research-practice chasm and create health systems in which new knowledge is integrated into clinical practice. The realization of the aLHS requires a new translational workforce phenotype – the aLHS Translational Scientist – who is grounded in several rapidly evolving, but infrequently integrated knowledge domains, including: 1) system science and organizational change management; 2) research questions and standards of scientific evidence; 3) health systems research methods; 4) biomedical informatics; 5) ethics of research and implementation in health systems; 6) improvement and implementation science; 7) stakeholder engagement, leadership, and research management; and 8) health equity and health disparities. This T32 application proposes an innovative two-year Academic Learning Health System Scholars Program (aLHSSP) to provide the next generation of translational scientists with the methodologic and professional skills to conduct rigorous research in the complex environments of health systems and to disseminate and implement findings from such research into practice through: (1) building competency in the above domains, (2) building skills in team science and leading effective interdisciplinary, diverse research teams of engaged stakeholders; (3) preparing scholars for productive research careers in LHS science; and (4) further developing scientific communication skills. The aLHSSP will target outstanding candidates with doctoral- level clinical training in medicine and other health professions, or PhD-prepared scientists who wish to conduct aLHS research. We will have a cohort of four trainees, two of which will be NCATS-supported. All trainees will participate in a two-year program, pursuing an established Master of Science degree in LHS Science with a curriculum designed around the knowledge domains listed above to prepare them to conduct research in an aLHS and to lead teams. Scholars will conduct a mentored research project that addresses a pressing health system issue guided by diverse mentoring teams consisting of experienced and committed subject-matter experts, health system leaders, and near peer faculty, all of whom are well-grounded in the principles of effective mentoring. Mentors will complete a 20-hr training via the Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) Mentor Academy that addresses core mentoring competencies, and participate in multi-CTSA hub Mentorship Symposia. The aLHSSP will be part of an integrated educational infrastructure at Wake Forest (WF) that includes the Workforce Development Program; trainees will utilize CTSI resources, attend professional development seminars, build networks with other WF T32 trainees and nationally with other CTSA hubs; they will have access to extensive support services. This unique training ex...