Novel Methodologies

W. Brian Reeves, MD

Penny Kris-Etherton, PhD

Leaders:
W. Brian Reeves, MD (CoM)
Penny Kris-Etherton, PhD (HHD)

The Penn State Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) recognizes that research that crosses traditional disciplinary boundaries, i.e. interdisciplinary research, is a key to accelerating both the pace of biomedical discovery and the translation of therapies from bench to bedside and into the community.

Penn State boasts deep and broad expertise in physical sciences, mathematics, engineering and social sciences which is unsurpassed at most other major universities. The goal of the Novel Clinical and Translational Methodologies program is to leverage this incredible expertise to develop truly innovative solutions to pressing needs in translational research.

To achieve this goal, the Novel Methodologies is pursuing a series of strategies that will facilitate the conduct of interdisciplinary research. Some of these strategies involve the expansion of existing programs at Penn State, which are already successfully catalyzing cross-disciplinary science. Other proposed strategies are themselves novel methodologies which will foster the creation and function of integrative research teams and provide unique opportunities to train the next generation of translational scientists.

These strategies include:

Identifying and fostering multidisciplinary teams whose research interests are focused around a common theme and whose members’ activities can range from basic science to the implementation and/or evaluation of interventions to promote health and well-being

Creating a network of senior faculty from across Penn State who possess an intimate knowledge of the University and its resources, and have a track record of mentoring to act as a network to establish connections between potential collaborators.