Research Training Program in Reproductive and Sexual Health

PROJECT SUMMARY The vision of The ASCENT Research Training Program in Sexual and Reproductive Health, Rights, and Justice (SRHRJ) is to strategically develop an innovative, interdisciplinary, multi-level national research training experience to increase diverse representation and to enhance the future of SRHRJ-related biomedical,

behavioral, policy, clinical, and translational research. The program will do this through foundational research curricula, advanced training in community-engaged research (CER), hands-on simulation training, and mini- immersion experiences, and mentoring, using the Matrix Mentor Model. Currently, research curricula and

mentorship specific to SRHRJ and CER are lacking in consistency and accessibility across academic institutions, disciplines, and training levels. The stigma and politicization surrounding SRHRJ have created barriers to comprehensive education, research, and innovation in this crucial field. Strategic efforts are

necessary to progress academic and community partnerships that can lead to critical innovations and interventions through CER. To address this gap, we have designed a unique research training program with community-, institutional-, and national support open to Scholars from upper undergraduate to professional

levels. The program goals include, (1) Establishing The ASCENT Research Training Program, creating administrative excellence and a research training toolkit focused on advanced SRHRJ topics and CER methods, (2) Providing 10 weeks of focused hands-on research experiences, mentoring, and funding for a

diverse cohort of 8 nationally recruited SRHRJ Scholars; and (3) Develop regional and national opportunities for scholar advancement through partnerships with the Scholars Strategy Network and the Society for Family Planning. These national partners will support recruitment and provide a diverse pool of mentors and research

opportunities showcasing specialized research techniques. ASCENT Research Training Program Scholars will gain SRHRJ knowledge, confidence, and essential hands-on CER experience. The program will support Scholars in attending and presenting at regional and national scientific conferences to enhance their

professional networks and career trajectories. Successful completion of these activities will establish a multi- level interdisciplinary SRHRJ Scholar training program, unlike any existing program. Ultimately, this program and toolkit will increase accessibility to advanced CER techniques, enhance the training experiences of

SRHRJ biomedical scholars, and train a new generation of diverse reproductive health scholars trained in CER and advanced research approaches.