The Penn KL2 Program

Research Mentor(s): KL2 scholars identify their research mentor(s) prior to applying to the program. The program advises on aligning mentor-mentee expectations and communication skills.

KL2 Advisory Committee: Following appointment to the grant, KL2 scholars identify an advisory committee which will provide scientific oversight and career advising, independent of their scientific mentors. This committee will include 3 faculty members, including the KL2 Program Director and will meet with the scholar and their mentor(s) every 6 months.

Individual Development Plan: As a part of the KL2 application, scholars articulate a learning plan. Following appointment to the grant, scholars begin the process of bringing precision to their learning plan by formulating an individual development plan (IDP) that will extend for the duration of time in the KL2 program. Scholars will review their IDP with their mentors and the KL2 program director at inception and 6 monthly intervals thereafter throughout the program.

Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research: All KL2 scholars will complete RCR training and then engage in directed experience in evaluating ethical principles through IRB membership for a minimum of 6 months. 

Grantsmanship: KL2 scholars will enroll in either MTR 6060 for K Award applications or MTR 6230 for R01 applications. Both focus on specific aims review, creating a budget, grants management, and peer to peer grant review.

Symposia: As part of the learning plan, scholars will attend the ITMAT Ed Junior Investigator Symposium and the annual Association for Clinical and Translational Science (ACTS) Meeting.

Virtual CTSA Visiting Scholar Program

Professional Development Series: KL2 scholars will participate in a  professional development series. Topics include:

Additional learning plan elements available to KL2 scholars include coursework, certificates, masters degree, workshops, and externships.

ITMAT Ed Grant Library: Scholars have access to the ITMAT Ed Grant Library which includes examples of K Award submissions.

Research Navigation: With support from the Office of Clinical Research, staff with specific expertise will provide concierge service for specific aspects of KL2 research projects as required and as they are available. This includes access to tools and templates (for example, authorship agreement template and study start-up guide).

In addition to the professional development events, research in progress meeting provide the opportunity to create a cohort experience, with scholars providing peer to peer mentoring and problem solving. 

Furthermore, within the ITMAT Ed community, KL2 scholars will serve as near-peer mentors for pre and postdoctoral trainees.