The College of Medicine’s Research Professionals Network (RPN) is more than just a gathering of clinical research experts; it is a vibrant community born from a shared vision.
What started as a brief discussion among a handful of research team members and College of Medicine leadership has blossomed into a network of over 170 members, comprised of research professionals from the college, the Markey Cancer Center (MCC), and the Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS). The RPN is organized and supported by the college’s Office of Research.
“The College of Medicine’s total sponsored projects {grants and contracts} totaled $225.8M in fiscal year 2024,” shared Andrea McCubbin, MPH, associate dean for research administration. “It takes a significant number of research professional staff to support an award portfolio of that size.”
The RPN provides a platform for research professionals to network, share best practices, and participate in professional development opportunities.
“The vast knowledge and decades of research experience among the group members are undoubtedly impressive, but the most rewarding aspect of the RPN, from my perspective, is to hear from members about how transformational the group has been in breaking down long-standing silos of research staff,” McCubbin said.
The RPN has developed two specialized tracks to better serve the UK research community: a Clinical Research Track and a Basic Science Research Track. The Clinical Research Track, which meets on the second Monday of each month, has grown into a dynamic and collaborative community. As a newly established track, the Basic Science Research Track is poised for exciting growth and will host its inaugural meeting in January 2025.
“The RPN helps members feel connected by putting faces to names, providing quick answers through Teams chats, orienting new staff to the myriad of research resources, and partnering mentees and mentors,” notes McCubbin. “The growing camaraderie among members continues to impress and remind me of the importance of community in the research space.”
While the RPN’s mission centers on professional growth and collaboration, its impact extends beyond the workplace. This December, the RPN hosted a children’s book drive to benefit patients at the Kentucky Children’s Hospital. During the December meeting, members came together to donate books, create holiday cards, and craft bookmarks to pair with the donations.
Today, the RPN is a testament to the power of collaboration and the importance of community in research. With more than 170 members, the network provides a platform for sharing knowledge, addressing challenges, and celebrating the achievements of its members. It also serves as a reminder that the work of research professionals, though demanding and often behind the scenes, is deeply connected to the well-being of the larger UK community.
