The Foundations of Clinical Research program is rooted in the belief that clinical research training is critical to professional development in health care. Clinical research training not only creates potential independent investigators but also enables clinicians to advance their careers through a greater understanding of research evidence.
Designed to provide learners with the foundational knowledge and skill sets required to produce high-quality clinical research, our program will lay the fundamental groundwork in epidemiology and biostatistics required for a multifaceted career in clinical research.
The overarching goal of the Foundations of Clinical Research program is to equip the next generation of researchers with the skill sets essential to evaluating evidence, understanding biostatistics, and beginning their clinical research careers. Our aim is to ensure that learners develop a strong foundation in the design, implementation, analysis, and interpretation of clinical research studies.
Program Format
This program requires attendance in three, live virtual workshops. Learners should expect to spend an average of 7-10 hours per week on other coursework, including attending four required symposia, two training tutorials, four seminars, and capstone-related work.
Live Virtual Workshop Dates
Workshop 1: September 28-29, 2024 | Live Virtual
Workshop 2: January 25-26, 2025 | Live Virtual
Workshop 3 & Graduation: April 5-6, 2025 | Live Virtual
Program Objectives
After completing this program, learners will be able to:
- Demonstrate a clear understanding of the foundational concepts of biostatistics and epidemiology
- Apply the core concepts of biostatistics and epidemiology
- Develop a research question and formulate a testable hypothesis
- Design and begin to implement a clinical research study
- Cultivate the skills required to present a clinical research study
- Critically evaluate the research findings in medical literature
- Synthesize crucial statistical analyses using Stata software
- Evaluate the ethical principles relevant to clinical research
Benefits
Upon fulfilling the Foundations of Clinical Research program requirements, you will receive a Certificate of Completion. You also will become an Associate Member of the Harvard Medical School and Harvard University Alumni Associations and will be invited to attend Foundations of Clinical Research program alumni events throughout the year.
The Foundations of Clinical Research program provides the essential skill sets and fundamental knowledge required to begin or expand your clinical research career. Our scholars build a strong foundation in the fundamentals of clinical research, putting them on the pathway to take advanced courses that hone these skills.
