PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CORE
About the Core
Developing Puerto Rico's Research Workforce
The Professional Development (PD) Core strengthens the clinical and translational research workforce through accessible training, mentorship, and career development opportunities across all career stages.
The Core supports investigators, research staff, clinicians, and community partners by strengthening research competencies, grantsmanship, scientific communication, collaboration, and progression toward independent funding.
Core Objectives
An integrated approach to developing investigators and strengthening clinical and translational research capacity.
01
Build Research Capacity
Strengthen infrastructure and workforce capacity through targeted training and skill development in clinical and translational research.
02
Develop Investigators
Build a robust investigator pipeline through structured mentorship, career development, and support toward research independence.
03
Advance Community Health
Empower healthcare providers and community members with research skills to address locally relevant health priorities.
INVESTIGATOR SUPPORT
Services
Editorial & Scientific Writing
Support for grant proposals, manuscripts, abstracts, and other scientific products through the Scientific Writing Unit.
Grant Development & Review
Grant writing guidance, structured feedback, and mock study sections designed around NIH-style review.
Tailored investigator Support
Individualized assistance for awardees, candidates, and unfunded applicants, including biosketches, career development plans, and resubmissions.
Research Navigation
Guidance to help investigators identify professional development resources, programs, and opportunities across the Alliance.
Investigator Development Pipeline Program (IDPP)
A comprehensive workforce development initiative that provides tools, mentorship, and resources to help investigators progress toward research independence and beyond.
IDDP
STAGE 1
Milestone 1:
PI of externally funded project NOT NIH “Research Project”
- Certified Mentors / Mentor’s retreat
- K Ambassador Cohort
- Mock Study Sessions
- Small Projects (except AHIG)
- Special Projects/CAPs
- Pilot Projects
IDPP
STAGE 2
Milestone 2:
PI of NIH “Research Project” (R00, R03, R16, R21) or Career Award (K)
- RTOP
- Certified Mentors / Mentor’s retreat
- K Ambassador Cohort
- MMT (as mentee)
- Mock Study Sessions
- Small Projects
- Special Projects/CAPs
- Let me help you
- Pilot Projects*
- Developmental Projects
- Collaborative Projects
IDPP
STAGE 3
Milestone 2:
PI of NIH R01 or equivalent
- Certified Mentors / Mentor’s retreat
- R Ambassador Cohort
- MMT (as mentor)
- Mock Study Sessions
- All PD activities
- Small Projects
- Special Projects/CAPs
- Let me help you
- Pilot Projects*
- Developmental Projects
- Collaborative Projects
FINAL STAGE
INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATOR
LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Seminars, workshops, & certificates
RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT AWARD
Laboratory Training Opportunities
In collaboration with the Clinical and Technological Research Resources (CTRR) Core, the PD Core provides opportunities to strengthen laboratory skills and investigator competitiveness.
RTOP
Research Training Opportunity Program
A two-stage technology transfer experience that equips investigators with emerging laboratory technologies and supports local implementation of advanced methodologies.
Funding Up to $8,000
Eligibility: Faculty members and early- to mid-stage investigators affiliated with Alliance participating institutions.
ESCID
Early-stage Career Investigator Development Program
Supports investigators by providing access to laboratory facilities and assistance with laboratory materials.
Funding Up to $3,000
Eligibility: Faculty members and early- to mid-stage investigators affiliated with Alliance participating institutions.
2026-2028
Mentor-Mentee Awardees
Mentor
Harold Saavedra, PhD
Ponce Health Sciences University,
Department of Basic Sciences/Biochemistry
Research Area: Cancer Biology, with a focus on Breast Cancer
Mentee
Tiffany J. Rios-Fuller, PhD
Ponce Health Sciences University,
Department of Basic Sciences/Biochemistry
Research Area: Breast Cancer
Main Goal: Generate preliminary data and publications to support future NIH funding, including an NIH R21 and R01 applications focused on translational control mechanisms in aggressive breast cancer.
LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
