Creating accountability to eliminate sexual harassment in biomedical training

Indiana CARES (Creating Accountability and Building Relationships to Eradicate Sex Harassment)

NIH-funded research Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-10886040

This study looks at how advanced trainees in biomedical research experience sexual harassment and racial mistreatment, focusing on the relationship between mentors and mentees, to find ways to make training environments safer and fairer for everyone involved.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionIndiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Indianapolis, United States)
Project IDNIH-10886040 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the dynamics of sexual harassment and racialized mistreatment experienced by advanced trainees in biomedical research. It employs a daily survey method to capture the experiences of mentor-mentee pairs, focusing on how mentors' power dynamics influence mentees' experiences of mistreatment. The study aims to develop and implement interventions that foster a safer and more equitable training environment for all trainees. By understanding the factors that contribute to harassment, the research seeks to create actionable strategies to improve the climate in biomedical research settings.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are advanced trainees in biomedical research programs, particularly those who have experienced or are at risk of sexual harassment or mistreatment.

Not a fit: Patients who are not involved in biomedical research training or who do not experience harassment or mistreatment may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to significant improvements in the safety and well-being of trainees in biomedical research environments.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of this research may be novel, there is a growing body of literature indicating that interventions addressing power dynamics and harassment in academic settings can lead to positive outcomes.

Where this research is happening

Indianapolis, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.