The CCTS workforce development team identifies that social injustice and issues related to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA) have widened health disparities from those who are under-served and under-represented. Our hope is that by providing representation within the Clinical and Translational Research (CTR)/Clinical and Translational Science (CTS) workforce, that we can help diminish this health disparity gap within our communities. 

In line with our commitment to DEIA, the CCTS Workforce Development Team will:

• Foster an inclusive workplace environment within the CCTS leadership, faculty and staff by recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce.

• Provide tools and methods to CTR/CTS teams to support diversifying the broader research community.  

• Provide educational opportunities to those who are under-served and under-represented to increase their engagement and knowledge in CTR/CTS and increase their interest in being an active CTR/CTS workforce members.

To date we have taken the following actions:

• Influenced and adopted the DEIA mission statement developed by the CCTS Leadership Group.

• Optimized inclusive language for Ohio State Clinical Research job descriptions.

• Ensured all CCTS Directors and Managers complete DEIA training.

• Established and provide bi-annual diverse Clinical Research Career webinars for active and aspiring clinical research professionals.  

• Contribute to DEIA workforce development improvements through multi-hub collaboration, research and dissemination.

• Incorporate promotional and recruitment materials that reflect the diversity we seek.

• Launched a CRP Newsletter which incorporates DEIA content and connections to other non-CCTS DEIA trainings.

Future Actions:

• Identify mentorship and sponsorship opportunities for individuals to progress into leadership positions with DEIA as a central goal by partnering with existing leadership.

• Connect CCTS members with mentoring opportunities associated with initiatives across Ohio State’s campus that aim to enhance diversity in the biomedical research pipeline by engaging underrepresented high school and undergraduate students in mentored research.

• Promote applications for diversity supplements amongst the CCTS investigators and include informational sessions and resources on the application process. 

• Promote increasing a diverse Clinical Research Professional (CRP) workforce through education, training, partnerships and innovation.  

• Identify measurable outcomes to assess our workforce development impact.

• Build strong collaborations with the other CCTS DEIA areas (Leadership and Culture, Inclusive Research and Assessment and Evaluation) to support their goals and the CCTS DEIA mission.

• Develop educational materials for the Academy of Community Researchers (ACR) and other public-facing training materials in Scarlet Canvas that enhance development of community members and CRPs.