Educating Translational Researchers in Research Informatics Principles and Methods: An Evaluation of a Model Online Course and Plans for its Dissemination

Translational research generates and/or uses very large amounts of diverse data. Informatics principles and methods address datasets that are large and complex, whereas few translational researchers know these principles and methods and many cannot design, carry out, or analyze the results of these studies optimally. With few exceptions, informatics education has not been directed to researchers, especially established researchers. To fill this gap, we carried out a formal needs assessment of research informatics education of translational researchers, focusing on established researchers. Using the results, we developed a model curriculum for educating researchers in research informatics and a first generation model online course in research informatics for researchers. We are completing a formal evaluation of this online course with a diverse group of translational researchers. From the results of this evaluation, we will create a second version of the online course, a dissemination plan to make it available to researchers nationally, and a plan to enhance the course over time. We will discuss the implications for the future of translational research and research informatics.