Series Goals

  • Appreciate the broad range of boundary-crossing competencies required for successful translation.
  • Explore tools and frameworks that enable researchers to anticipate, navigate, and overcome common barriers to collaboration and success in team science.

Today’s translational researcher is uniquely tasked with being a “boundary crosser,” described in this article, The Fundamental Characteristics of a Translational Scientist. They should not only be an expert in their own domain, but also capable of collaborating across research areas and sectors, as well as fostering an inclusive working environment. Whether you are working with a small team or engaging in a large multi-center partnership, your likelihood of success is significantly impacted by your ability to anticipate, navigate, and overcome common barriers to effective collaboration.

This webinar series explores approaches to developing skills in “boundary crossing” by addressing common topics and themes such as building a diverse team, managing your time and projects, resolving conflict, communicating your science, and more.

Defining the Boundary-Crossing Competencies

Boundary-crossing competencies can be defined as the broad range of practices that researchers employ in establishing and sustaining successful careers. These competencies can best be understood by asking how innovative and efficient research is conducted.

With continued attention to and honing of these competencies across your research career, you’ll be better poised to advance and disseminate your science through effective collaboration and communication. You’ll also strengthen your ability to support your research through securing funding and mentoring relationships, and learn to lead diverse and productive multi-disciplinary teams.

Boundary-crossing competencies for translational science fall under six major topic areas:

  • Team science – Build, engage in, and sustain diverse teams.
  • Mentorship – Establish effective mentoring relationships.
  • Project management – Create, manage, and deliver projects.
  • Communication – Advocate for yourself, your team, and your science.
  • Leadership – Manage yourself and others.
  • Funding research – Sustain your career through diverse funding.

Looking for a deeper dive into these topics?

Explore resources to discover our courses, programs, and initiatives that will further support you in honing your boundary-crossing competencies.

Audience

Webinars in this series are designed for translational researchers and research staff at any career stage. There are no eligibility requirements to participate, and attendees are welcome to participate in as many sessions as are of interest.

We believe that the research community is strengthened by understanding how a number of factors including gender identity, sexual orientation, race and ethnicity, socioeconomic status, culture, religion, national origin, language, disability, and age shape the environment in which we live and work, affect each of our personal identities, and impacts all areas of human health.