# Research Education Program for Trainees in Neurology

> **NIH NIH R25** · NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY · 2020 · $52,352

## Abstract

There is a critical need for clinician-scientists possessing the medical training and research experience to
conduct basic, clinical and translational research on the mechanisms and treatment of neurological disorders.
This Neuroscience Research Education Program at Northwestern (R25) is designed to foster the development
of clinician neuroscientists in the Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics (Neurology Division) at
Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine (NUFSM) via research and educational experiences
that will prepare these trainees to successfully compete for individual fellowships and mentored career
development awards that would enhance their ability to become independent investigators. We have
demonstrated success in mentorship of our prior trainees both of whom have received K08 awards, and we
plan to continue and expand the program
Specifically, we propose to: 1. Recruit at least one neurology resident each year who demonstrates aptitude for
and interest in research to prepare them to compete for K08 or K23 awards. 2.Continue to implement a
research-training curriculum for the later years of the neurology residency and the first year of clinical
neuroscience research fellowships. The program will continue to utilize established programs and
institutional resources at Northwestern in conjunction with the mentoring teams comprised of a Primary
Mentor and Collaborating faculty. 3. Enhance the opportunity for trainees within the R25 program to utilize
additional existing research mentorship opportunities available at Northwestern. 4. Conduct an ongoing
evaluation of the R25 program.
Northwestern has excellent institutional resources including an NIH funded Clinical and Translational Science
Institute, a NeuroNEXT consortium Center, an outstanding cadre of Neurology and Collaborating faculty with
extensive track record of mentorship, a strong pool of trainees interested in research career, and a rich culture
of interdepartmental collaborations to assure success of the trainees in preparation for independent research
careers.
As was done in the first cycle, at least one trainee will be selected from the pool of neurology residents, and an
individual training plan will created for each trainee. The training team will consist of the Primary Mentor and
collaborating faculty with direct supervision and oversight by the Program Directors. Trainees will be assured at
least six months of protected research time with 80% time dedicated to research during residency, and up to
24 months dedicated to research during fellowship. Success of the program will be determined by the number
of trainees who receive career development awards and ultimately continue with academic careers. The quality
of the program will continue to be evaluated on a regular basis.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9853564
- **Project number:** 2R25NS070695-11
- **Recipient organization:** NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** JOHN A KESSLER
- **Activity code:** R25 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $52,352
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 2010-04-01 → 2025-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9853564

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9853564, Research Education Program for Trainees in Neurology (2R25NS070695-11). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-21 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9853564. Licensed CC0.

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