The QuanTS Program is designed to train quantitative scientists to gain essential collaboration skills, helping them thrive in interdisciplinary biomedical research teams. As biomedical data complexity and volume grow, the demand for skilled quantitative scientists—such as data scientists, biostatisticians, bioinformaticians, and epidemiologists—has never been greater. To contribute meaningfully to teams, quantitative scientists can benefit from hands on training to excel in communication, leadership, and project management. The QuanTS Program will provide open access online learning and a structured mentored training program that develop participants' team science skills, enabling them to communicate effectively, lead confidently, and integrate seamlessly into interdisciplinary teams.
The QuanTS Program focuses on five core competencies:
- Communication – Conveying complex data and research findings clearly to diverse teams.
- Leadership – Leading collaborative efforts to ensure successful outcomes.
- Organization – Managing multiple projects and teams effectively.
- Quantitative Expertise – Providing statistical and computational expertise to analyze and interpret biomedical data.
- Domain Knowledge – Acquiring the necessary domain-specific understanding to collaborate effectively with other research disciplines.
The program offers a flexible and accessible learning model:
- Self-Paced Online Modules: Nine collaborative skills are covered through interactive training, offering participants both essential knowledge and practical strategies.
- Mentorship Guides: Connect learners with mentors at their institutions for personalized feedback and hands-on learning.
- 7-Month Mentorship Program: Participants engage in monthly virtual sessions, deepening their understanding through real-world applications and peer-to-peer learning.
1. Open Access Online Educational Modules (Starting 2026)
- Comprehensive Training: Nine self-paced, interactive modules focus on essential skills including:
- Team Communication and Processes
- Scientific Communication
- Effective Meeting Strategy
- Strong Quantitative Voice
- Managing and Prioritizing Projects
- Developing Analysis Plans
- Reproducibility
- Addressing Gaps in Quantitative Expertise
- Developing Biomedical Domain Knowledge
- Dual-Format Learning: Didactic content is combined with optional mentor-guided activities, providing a tailored learning experience.
2. Seven-Month Mentorship Program (Starting 2027)
- Experiential Learning: Engage in small-group workshops led by expert mentors.
- Skill Application: Refine collaborative skills through real-world activities and discussions.
- Community Building: Peer-to-peer mentorship fosters a vibrant support network.
3. Scalable and Accessible Resources
- Free and Publicly Available Materials: Modules and guides are available online, accessible to academic, corporate, and government sectors.
- Train-the-Trainer Approach: Mentor guides empower institutions to implement effective mentorship and training programs independently.
The QuanTS Program is designed for:
- Junior Quantitative Scientists: Early-career professionals, graduate students, and postdocs in biostatistics, bioinformatics, and related fields looking to enhance their collaboration and leadership skills.
- Senior Quantitative Scientists: Supervisors and mentors of quantitative teams seeking to expand training opportunities for their staff.
- Educators: Faculty in quantitative programs integrating team science into their curriculum.
This program is funded by the NIGMS/NIH (NIGMS: R25GM155474) and is a collaboration between Duke University (MPI: Gina-Maria Pomann) and the University of Kentucky (MPI: Emily Slade).
For more information, please email BERDCore@duke.edu.