Improving communication skills to support diverse researchers in biomedical fields

Building a Diverse Biomedical Workforce Through Communication Across Difference

NIH-funded research University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-10657400

This study is looking at how improving communication skills between biomedical students and their mentors can help them succeed and stay in their careers, especially for those from under-represented backgrounds.

Quick facts

Grant typeU01 cooperative agreement
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Houston, United States)
Project IDNIH-10657400 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how enhancing communication skills among diverse biomedical trainees and their mentors can improve career outcomes and retention in the field. It involves a longitudinal, randomized controlled trial where summer students are paired with junior mentors to participate in workshops focused on communication across differences. The study aims to identify effective mentoring strategies and the impact of these skills on career persistence and networking for under-represented groups in biomedical research.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are under-represented students and junior mentors in biomedical research who are seeking to enhance their communication skills and career opportunities.

Not a fit: Patients who are not involved in biomedical research or do not identify as part of an under-represented group may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved career advancement and retention rates for under-represented researchers in the biomedical field.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that targeted mentoring and communication training can positively impact career outcomes for under-represented groups, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Where this research is happening

Houston, 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.